Touch of Evil (1958)
Kernel Score: 87% · 1,564 TMDB ratings
Genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Released: 1958-03-30
Runtime: 111 minutes
Where to watch Touch of Evil
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-11.
Overview
A border-town bombing draws Mexican investigator Miguel Vargas into a corruption-ridden police investigation led by crooked captain Hank Quinlan, setting off a deadly struggle over power, justice, and truth.
Touch of Evil parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Touch of Evil is a classic film noir crime thriller involving a car bombing, murder investigation, and police corruption.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — The plot opens with a car bombing and centers on a murder investigation amid a corrupt, deadly police operation.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Touch of Evil
If you liked Touch of Evil, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Sicario (2015) — 83%
- Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) — 78%
- Blood Simple (1985) — 82%
- No Country for Old Men (2007) — 94%
- Hard Hit (2021) — 83%
- Lord of War (2005) — 85%
- The Long Good Friday (1980) — 79%
- The Big Heat (1953) — 86%
Director
Cast
- Charlton Heston as Ramon Miguel Vargas
- Janet Leigh as Susan 'Susie' Vargas
- Orson Welles as Police Captain Hank Quinlan
- Joseph Calleia as Police Sergeant Pete Menzies
- Akim Tamiroff as 'Uncle' Joe Grandi
- Joanna Moore as Marcia Linnekar
- Ray Collins as District Attorney Adair
- Dennis Weaver as Mirador Motel Night Manager
- Valentin de Vargas as Pancho
- Mort Mills as Al Schwartz - District Attorney's Assistant
Touch of Evil FAQ
Is Touch of Evil good?
Touch of Evil has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch Touch of Evil?
In the US you can stream Touch of Evil on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Touch of Evil OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Touch of Evil is a classic film noir crime thriller involving a car bombing, murder investigation, and police corruption.
What movies are like Touch of Evil?
If you liked Touch of Evil, try Sicario, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, Blood Simple and No Country for Old Men.