Live by Night

  • 2016
  • R
  • 129m
movieMx RATING
6.3/101.4K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: Live by Night Review

Last updated: February 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Live by Night (2016) 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 Crime.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Live by Night features a noteworthy lineup led by Ben Affleck . Supported by the likes of Elle Fanning and Brendan Gleeson , 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Live by Night (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Live by Night stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Live by Night

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Live by Night is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film directed by Ben Affleck. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ben Affleck.

Story Breakdown

The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A group of Boston-bred gangsters set up shop in balmy Florida during the Prohibition era, facing off against the competition and the Ku Klux Klan. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ben Affleck's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Ending Explained: Live by Night

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Ben Affleck, Live by Night concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Ben Affleck, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Live by Night reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Live by Night Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Live by Night incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller film directed by Ben Affleck, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Ben Affleck's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Live by Night adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Live by Night?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Ben Affleck or the director
  • Want solid genre entertainment

Box Office Collection: Live by Night

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $90.0M
Worldwide Gross $22.7M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Live by Night Budget

The estimated production budget for Live by Night is $90.0M. 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.

Advertisement

Top Cast: Live by Night

All Cast & Crew →
Ben Affleck
Ben AffleckJoe Coughlin
Elle Fanning
Elle FanningLoretta Figgis
Brendan Gleeson
Brendan GleesonThomas Coughlin
Chris Messina
Chris MessinaDion Bartolo
Sienna Miller
Sienna MillerEmma Gould
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe SaldañaGraciella Suarez
Chris Cooper
Chris CooperChief Irving Figgis
Remo Girone
Remo GironeMaso Pescatore
Titus Welliver
Titus WelliverTim Hickey
Derek Mears
Derek MearsDonnie Gishler
Max Casella
Max CasellaDigger Pescatore
Advertisement

Where to Watch Live by Night Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

JioHotstarJioHotstar

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store

Live by Night Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Live by Night age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Live by Night is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Live by Night is 129 minutes (2h 9m). 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, Live by Night is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Live by Night. Rating: 6.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Live by Night worth watching?

Live by Night is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime 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 Live by Night parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Live by Night identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Live by Night?

The total duration of Live by Night is 129 minutes, which is approximately 2h 9m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Live by Night

How Live by Night Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Live by Night

🛡️

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.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.3
Live by Night
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/live-by-night-259695" 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;">★ 6.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Live by Night</div></div></a>

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

More with Ben Affleck

View full filmography