The Quick and the Dead
The Quick and the Dead Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Quick and the Dead
| Movie | The Quick and the Dead |
| Release Year | 1995 |
| Director | Sam Raimi |
| Genre | Western / Action / Drama / Romance / Thriller |
| Runtime | 107 minutes (1h 47m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Quick and the Dead (1995) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Quick and the Dead are led by Sharon Stone . The supporting cast, including Gene Hackman and Russell Crowe , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Quick and the Dead stands out as a strong entry in the Western genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Western narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Quick and the Dead has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Western fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Quick and the Dead
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1995, The Quick and the Dead is a Western, Action, Drama, Romance, Thriller film directed by Sam Raimi, written by Simon Moore. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sharon Stone as Ellen.
What Is the Story of The Quick and the Dead?
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A mysterious woman comes to compete in a quick-draw elimination tournament, in a town taken over by a notorious gunman. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
How Is The Quick and the Dead Structured?
- Opening Hook: The Quick and the Dead establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Sam Raimi introducing Sharon Stone as Ellen in the opening act, and over its 107-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Sharon Stone's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Sharon Stone's arc reaching resolution. Sam Raimi's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Ending Explained: The Quick and the Dead
The Quick and the Dead Ending Explained: A mysterious woman comes to compete in a quick-draw elimination tournament, in a town taken over by a notorious gunman. Directed by Sam Raimi, this 1995 western film stars Sharon Stone (Ellen), alongside Gene Hackman as Herod, Russell Crowe as Cort, Leonardo DiCaprio as Kid. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Quick and the Dead?
A mysterious woman comes to compete in a quick-draw elimination tournament, in a town taken over by a notorious gunman.
How Does Sharon Stone (Ellen)'s Story End?
- Sharon Stone: Sharon Stone's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Gene Hackman (Herod): Gene Hackman's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Russell Crowe (Cort): Russell Crowe's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Quick and the Dead Mean?
The Quick and the Dead's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Sharon Stone may feel rushed. Sam Raimi's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution. Based on 1,937 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is adequate but divisive.
The Quick and the Dead Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Quick and the Dead Based on a True Story?
No, The Quick and the Dead is a work of fiction. While the western, action, drama, romance, thriller film directed by Sam Raimi and starring Sharon Stone may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Quick and the Dead?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Sharon Stone or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Quick and the Dead
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $47.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Quick and the Dead Budget
The estimated production budget for The Quick and the Dead is $35.0M. 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.
Where to Watch The Quick and the Dead Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixThe Quick and the Dead Parents Guide & Age Rating
1995 AdvisoryWondering about The Quick and the Dead age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Quick and the Dead (1995) is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Directed by Sam Raimi, the film runs for 107 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Quick and the Dead is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1995 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Quick and the Dead worth watching?
The Quick and the Dead is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Quick and the Dead parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Quick and the Dead identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Quick and the Dead (1995)?
The runtime of The Quick and the Dead (1995) is 107 minutes (approximately 1h 47m).
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.
