The Outsider

  • 2018
  • R
  • 120m
movieMx RATING
6.2/10682
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Outsider Review

Last updated: February 25, 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 25, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Outsider (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. 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 The Outsider features a noteworthy lineup led by Jared Leto . Supported by the likes of Tadanobu Asano and Kippei Shiina , 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 The Outsider (2018) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Outsider stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Outsider

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, The Outsider is a Crime, Drama, Mystery film directed by Martin Zandvliet. 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 Jared Leto.

Story Breakdown

The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A former American G.I. joins a yakuza family after his release from prison in post-World War II Osaka. 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. Jared Leto'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: The Outsider

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Martin Zandvliet, The Outsider 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 Jared Leto, 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 The Outsider reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

The Outsider Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

The Outsider incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, mystery film directed by Martin Zandvliet, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Jared Leto'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: The Outsider adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch The Outsider?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Jared Leto or the director
  • Want solid genre entertainment
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Top Cast: The Outsider

All Cast & Crew →
Jared Leto
Jared LetoNick Lowell
Min Tanaka
Min TanakaAkihiro
Nao Omori
Nao OmoriHiromitsu
Emile Hirsch
Emile HirschPaulie Bowers
Rory Cochrane
Rory CochraneAnthony Panetti
YOUNG DAIS
YOUNG DAISTakeshi
Ray Nicholson
Ray NicholsonAmerican Stock Broker
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Where to Watch The Outsider Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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The Outsider Parents Guide & Age Rating

2018 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Outsider age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Outsider 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 The Outsider is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Outsider is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Outsider. Rating: 6.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Outsider worth watching?

The Outsider is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Outsider parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of The Outsider?

The total duration of The Outsider is 120 minutes, which is approximately 2h 0m long.

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Critic Reviews for The Outsider

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
The Outsider
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