Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- paranoid
- lurid
- cynical
- late night thriller viewing
- crime movie marathon
What critics said
Critics found the film's media critique timely but undermined by heavy-handed satire, lurid violence, and contrived sensationalism.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Oleg steals a video camera and films the criminals' crimes so their footage can be sold to the tabloid program Top Story.
The criminals learn that American media attention can transform a remorseless killer into a public victim and create financial opportunity.
NYPD homicide detective Eddie Flemming investigates alongside FDNY fire marshal Jordy Warsaw after murders and an arson attack.
The plot centers on filmed murders, criminal exploitation, and a media environment that packages violent acts as entertainment.
Films like 15 Minutes, and why
Natural Born Killers
shared media sensationalism, lurid crime violence, and provocative thriller satire
Wag the Dog
shared cynical critique of television spectacle, manipulation, and public image
Heat
shared morally compromised criminals, urban brutality, and hard-edged police thriller intensity
Kiss the Girls
shared serial killer premise, investigative police partnership, and grim urban suspense
Movie Details
- Director
- John Herzfeld
- Release Date
- 2001-03-01
- Runtime
- 120 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (842)
Cast
- Robert De Niro
- Edward Burns
- Kelsey Grammer
- Avery Brooks
- Melina Kanakaredes
- Karel Roden
- Oleg Taktarov
- Vera Farmiga
- John DiResta
- James Handy
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is 15 Minutes about?
- A homicide detective and a fire marshal pursue filmed killers who turn New York's tabloid media machine into an accomplice.
- What is 15 Minutes like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of 15 Minutes as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is 15 Minutes violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in 15 Minutes as graphic.
- What did critics think of 15 Minutes?
- Critics found the film's media critique timely but undermined by heavy-handed satire, lurid violence, and contrived sensationalism.
- Which films are like 15 Minutes?
- Films with a similar feel include Natural Born Killers, Wag the Dog, Heat, and Kiss the Girls.
- How long is 15 Minutes?
- 15 Minutes runs 120 minutes.
- Where can I watch 15 Minutes?
- In United States, 15 Minutes is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
