D.O.A.
Performance & Direction: D.O.A. Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is D.O.A. (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and D.O.A. features a noteworthy lineup led by Dennis Quaid . Supported by the likes of Meg Ryan and Charlotte Rampling , 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: D.O.A.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, D.O.A. is a Mystery, Thriller film directed by Annabel Jankel. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dennis Quaid.
Ending Explained: D.O.A.
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Annabel Jankel, D.O.A. concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Dennis Quaid, 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of D.O.A. reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch D.O.A.?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Mystery films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Dennis Quaid or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: D.O.A.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $12.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: D.O.A.
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Where to Watch D.O.A. Online?
Streaming HubD.O.A. Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about D.O.A. age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of D.O.A. 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 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, D.O.A. is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is D.O.A. worth watching?
D.O.A. is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find D.O.A. parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for D.O.A. identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of D.O.A.?
The total duration of D.O.A. is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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Critic Reviews for D.O.A.
Who was murdered? He was! D.O.A. is directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton and adapted to screenplay by Charles Edward Pogue from a story by Russell Rouse and Clarence Greene. It stars Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, Daniel Stern, Charlotte Rampling, Jane Kaczmarek and Christopher Neame. Music is by Chaz Jankel and cinematography by Yuri Neyman. A loose remake of the 1950 film noir of the same name, the story finds Professor Dexter Cornell (Quaid) staggering into a police station proclaiming that he is dying because someone has poisoned him. Told in flashback by Cornell, we see the events that led up to the point he was poisoned, but not who did it, and then track the frantic Professor as he tries to solve the who done it mystery before he keels over and dies. Not as bad as the poor box office returns suggest it is, D.O.A. is still very much a frustratingly shaky experience. Lifting only the basic idea of the 1950 movie, the makers stamp their own mark on the premise but add too many red herrings to the already fishy stew. Some plot developments are daft, as is the casting of Meg Ryan in the key femme role - seriously she is just too cookie cute and homely for this material - while the motive reveal is a bit much to swallow. Yet there's still a lot to enjoy and sample here for the neo-noir faithful. Visually the picture is stylish and appreciative to its noir roots. Opening in black and white to set the story in motion, Jankel and Morton then infuse the film with angled shots and frame distortions. Shadows often come into play, with Venetian blinds and roof rafters impacting, while the addition of a spiral staircase late in the day is most pleasing. Quaid is ever watchable in what is a tricky role that calls for him to garner sympathy whilst not being likable! While elsewhere Stern and Rampling provide good characterisations, even if as written the roles are too small given the importance the characters have to the plot shenanigans. A bit over cooked on the page, and basically a race against time thriller dressed up in neo-noir clothing, D.O.A. is still none the less worthy of a viewing. 6.5/10
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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.
