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.

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.
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.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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.
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.
Kings and Desperate Men is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 3/10, Kings and Desperate Men may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
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....
Kings and Desperate Men is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 3/10, Kings and Desperate Men may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
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....
Kings and Desperate Men may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Drama, Thriller elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
You can find streaming options and availability for Kings and Desperate Men on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
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.
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.
No reviews found for this filter.