Crash
Performance & Direction: Crash Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Crash (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Crash features a noteworthy lineup led by James Spader . Supported by the likes of Holly Hunter and Elias Koteas , 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: Crash
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1996, Crash is a Thriller, Drama film directed by David Cronenberg. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving James Spader.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. A car crash victim suddenly finds himself turned on by car accidents and becomes involved with an underground sub-culture of like-minded souls. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside James Spader. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. James Spader's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: Crash
Ending Breakdown: Directed by David Cronenberg, Crash concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving James Spader, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Crash reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Crash?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of James Spader or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Crash
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $9.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Crash Budget
The estimated production budget for Crash is $9.0M. 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: Crash
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Where to Watch Crash Online?
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MUBICrash Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about Crash age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Crash is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Crash is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crash worth watching?
Crash is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Crash parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Crash identifies it as NC-17. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Crash?
The total duration of Crash is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
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Critic Reviews for Crash
One thing has to be said in my fellow Canadian David Cronenberg's favour--At least for the first 25-or-so years of his filmmaking career, he has always been one of the most surprising and brilliant minds of 'body-related horror', and from every conceivable angle. What other mind--out of 7 billion possibilities--could have come up with this, the combining of erotic pleasure with car crashing? He sure must have been an interesting catch in his early dating years, for the adventurous women out there...
I don't have a whole lot of experience with David Cronenberg's films and this is the first of his I've watched in a long time. Pretty obvious with the symbolism he was after but this isn't something I particularly engaged with despite the committed performances from the cast, although Elias Koteas was creepy good. No real plot with this one and by the end, while a unique movie for sure, not really sure I have much desire to watch again (at least anytime soon). **3.0/5**
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.
