Is Kings of Crime Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Kings of Crime is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Kings of Crime Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1988, Kings of Crime enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on This is a story of a war between two powerful criminal gangs and their 'dons' (vory v zakone) in the communist Soviet Union. Under the direction of Yuriy Kara, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Anna Samokhina, Valentin Gaft, Vladimir Steklov. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Kings of Crime offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Kings of Crime is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 3.8/10, the reception has been negative. For fans of Drama, Crime, Thriller, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of Kings of Crime
- Anna Samokhina – Rita
- Valentin Gaft – Artur
- Vladimir Steklov – Volodya
- Boris Shcherbakov – Andrei
- Arnis Līcītis – Militia lieutenant
Top Highlights
Anna SamokhinaRita
Valentin GaftArtur
Vladimir SteklovVolodya
Boris ShcherbakovAndrei
Arnis LīcītisMilitia lieutenant
Zinoviy GerdtLawyer
Amayak AkopyanKukolnik
Nurbey KamkiyaRita's father
Gia LejavaRamzes
Stanislav Korenevprosecutor
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.8/10, and global collection metrics, Kings of Crime stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kings of Crime movie hit or flop?
Kings of Crime is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.8/10 and lower collections.
Is Kings of Crime worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.8/10, Kings of Crime may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is Kings of Crime?
Kings of Crime is a Drama, Crime, Thriller movie that This is a story of a war between two powerful criminal gangs and their 'dons' (vory v zakone) in the communist Soviet Union. Corruption, cynical rheto...
