Bad Lieutenant
Performance & Direction: Bad Lieutenant Review
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Bad Lieutenant (1992) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bad Lieutenant features a noteworthy lineup led by Harvey Keitel . Supported by the likes of Brian McElroy and Frankie Acciarito , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Bad Lieutenant
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1992, Bad Lieutenant is a Crime, Drama film directed by Abel Ferrara. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Harvey Keitel.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. While investigating a young nun's rape, a corrupt New York City police detective, with a serious drug and gambling addiction, tries to change his ways and find forgiveness. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Harvey Keitel's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Bad Lieutenant
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Abel Ferrara, Bad Lieutenant resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Harvey Keitel, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Bad Lieutenant reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Bad Lieutenant Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Bad Lieutenant incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film directed by Abel Ferrara, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Harvey Keitel's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Bad Lieutenant adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Bad Lieutenant?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Harvey Keitel or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Bad Lieutenant
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Bad Lieutenant Budget
The estimated production budget for Bad Lieutenant is $1.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Bad Lieutenant
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Bad Lieutenant Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeBad Lieutenant Parents Guide & Age Rating
1992 AdvisoryWondering about Bad Lieutenant age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Bad Lieutenant is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Bad Lieutenant is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1992 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bad Lieutenant worth watching?
Bad Lieutenant is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Bad Lieutenant parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Bad Lieutenant identifies it as NC-17. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Bad Lieutenant?
The total duration of Bad Lieutenant is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Bad Lieutenant
How Bad Lieutenant Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Bad Lieutenant
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
