The Killer (1989)
Kernel Score: 87% · 871 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1989-03-24
Runtime: 110 minutes
Where to watch The Killer
- Stream: Fubo, WeTV
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Mob assassin Jeffrey is no ordinary hired gun; the best in his business, he views his chosen profession as a calling rather than simply a job. So, when beautiful nightclub chanteuse Jennie is blinded in the crossfire of his most recent hit, Jeffrey chooses to retire after one last job to pay for his unintended victim's sight-restoring operation. But when Jeffrey is double-crossed, he reluctantly joins forces with a rogue policeman to make things right.
The Killer parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated Hong Kong action thriller features gun violence, a hitman protagonist, and crime drama themes.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Extensive gun violence and action sequences center on a professional assassin, consistent with the R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Killer
If you liked The Killer, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%
- The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019) — 89%
- SPL: Kill Zone (2005) — 76%
- New Police Story (2004) — 79%
- My King (2015) — 81%
- Le Samouraï (1967) — 89%
- Police Story 2 (1988) — 80%
- Fallen Angels (1995) — 86%
Director
Cast
- Chow Yun-Fat as Jong
- Danny Lee Sau-Yin as Insp. Li Ying / Little Eagle
- Sally Yeh as Jennie
- Paul Chu Kong as Sidney Fung
- Kenneth Tsang as Sgt. Tsang Yeh
- Shing Fui-On as Hay Wong Hoi
- Tommy Wong as Teddy Wong Hung
- James Ha Chim-Si as Teddy's Man
- Ricky Wong Chun-Tong as Frank Chen
- Barry Wong Ping-Yiu as Chief Inspector Tu
The Killer FAQ
Is The Killer good?
The Killer has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 871 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Killer?
In the US you can stream The Killer on Fubo and WeTV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is The Killer OK for kids?
The Killer is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated Hong Kong action thriller features gun violence, a hitman protagonist, and crime drama themes.
What movies are like The Killer?
If you liked The Killer, try Infernal Affairs, The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil, SPL: Kill Zone and New Police Story.