Kings and Desperate Men (1981) movie backdrop
Kings and Desperate Men (1981) movie poster
1981113 minDrama, Thriller

Kings and Desperate Men

Kings and Desperate Men Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Kings and Desperate Men is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 3.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, Thriller genre.

Is Kings and Desperate Men Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Kings and Desperate Men is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

3.01 votes
113Minutes
1981Release Year
Advertisement

Kings and Desperate Men Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1981, Kings and Desperate Men enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A group of terrorists take a radio disk jockey and his wife and child hostage in order to get their manifesto out to the world. Under the direction of Alexis Kanner, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Patrick McGoohan, Alexis Kanner, Andrea Marcovicci. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Kings and Desperate Men offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Kings and Desperate Men resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, Kings and Desperate Men is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Kings and Desperate Men centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. A group of terrorists take a radio disk jockey and his wife and child hostage in order to get their manifesto out to the world. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1981 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Kings and Desperate Men has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Kings and Desperate Men sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Kings and Desperate Men (1981): with an audience rating of 3/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Kings and Desperate Men Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $1
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Kings and Desperate Men Budget

The estimated production budget for Kings and Desperate Men is $1. 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.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

PG-13
Kings and Desperate Men is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3/10, and global collection metrics, Kings and Desperate Men stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kings and Desperate Men movie hit or flop?

Kings and Desperate Men is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3/10 and lower collections.

Is Kings and Desperate Men worth watching?

Based on the low rating of 3/10, Kings and Desperate Men may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.

What genre is Kings and Desperate Men?

Kings and Desperate Men is a Drama, Thriller movie that A group of terrorists take a radio disk jockey and his wife and child hostage in order to get their manifesto out to the world....

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 3.0
Kings and Desperate Men
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/kings-and-desperate-men-100182" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 3.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Kings and Desperate Men</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Patrick McGoohan

View full filmography

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Kings and Desperate Men movie hit or flop?

Kings and Desperate Men is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3/10 and lower collections.

Is Kings and Desperate Men worth watching?

Based on the low rating of 3/10, Kings and Desperate Men may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.

What genre is Kings and Desperate Men?

Kings and Desperate Men is a Drama, Thriller movie that A group of terrorists take a radio disk jockey and his wife and child hostage in order to get their manifesto out to the world....

Is Kings and Desperate Men family friendly?

Kings and Desperate Men may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Drama, Thriller elements. Parental guidance is recommended.

Where can I watch Kings and Desperate Men?

You can find streaming options and availability for Kings and Desperate Men on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.

Who is the main cast of Kings and Desperate Men?

Kings and Desperate Men features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.

How long is the movie Kings and Desperate Men?

The runtime and duration of Kings and Desperate Men are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Critic Reviews

No reviews found for this filter.