Overview
A petty thief's life takes a wild turn when he stumbles into a murder mystery in Hollywood.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- irreverent
- sardonic
- late night movie
- crime movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film’s tongue-in-cheek neo-noir blend, entertaining action, sharp dialogue, and especially the performances of Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Harry’s narration, detective setup, femme-fatale associations, murders, and hard-boiled banter continually expose and play with noir formulas.
The petty thief Harry and professional private detective Gay Perry clash over competence, identity, and conduct while solving the murder case together.
Harry is brought to Los Angeles for an acting audition, trained by Perry for a detective role, and then forced to navigate an actual murder investigation.
The film combines dark murder investigations and gunplay with flippant exchanges, romantic complications, and a deliberately eclectic neo-noir style.
Films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and why
The Big Lebowski
Shared neo noir atmosphere, rapid-fire humor, crime mystery, and charismatic damaged protagonists.
The Nice Guys
Shared Shane Black-style detective banter, action comedy, Los Angeles crime plotting, and buddy dynamics.
The Long Goodbye
Shared self-aware noir conventions, eccentric humor, murder investigation, and romantic entanglement.
The Player
Shared dark comedy, unreliable storytelling, criminal intrigue, and stylized Los Angeles setting.
Movie Details
- Director
- Shane Black
- Release Date
- 2005-09-14
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (3127)
Cast
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Val Kilmer
- Michelle Monaghan
- Corbin Bernsen
- Dash Mihok
- Larry Miller
- Rockmond Dunbar
- Shannyn Sossamon
- Angela Lindvall
- Indio Falconer Downey
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- 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 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang about?
- A fast-talking petty thief, a sardonic private detective, and an old crush collide in a darkly comic Los Angeles murder mystery.
- What is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang as moderate.
- What did critics think of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang?
- Critics broadly praised the film’s tongue-in-cheek neo-noir blend, entertaining action, sharp dialogue, and especially the performances of Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan.
- Which films are like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang?
- Films with a similar feel include The Big Lebowski, The Nice Guys, The Long Goodbye, and The Player.
- How long is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang?
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang?
- In United States, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
