American History X
A reformed white supremacist races to rescue his younger brother from the ideology and violence that once defined his own life.
Overview
A powerful exploration of redemption and the struggle against hate in a fractured society.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Extreme
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Graphic
- confrontational
- visceral
- bleak
- serious movie night
- social issue discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film hard-hitting and provocatively directed, with Edward Norton's commanding performance providing crucial weight despite concerns that its treatment of racism can be simplistic or underdeveloped.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Derek's ideology shapes Danny's worldview, making sibling influence central to the story's anti-racist argument.
Black-and-white flashbacks of Derek's racist past are set against the color present of his parole and attempted reform.
The plot depicts neo-Nazi organizing, racial violence, prison radicalization, and the destructive consequences for Derek's family.
Derek seeks to protect Danny after prison, but his former actions and social environment continue to shape the family's fate.
Films like American History X, and why
La Haine
hard-hitting urban crime drama examining racism, brotherhood, and ideological transformation
This Is England
socially confrontational drama about extremist violence, family influence, and moral reckoning
A Prophet
intense prison-centered drama focused on racial conflict, redemption, and institutional brutality
Movie Details
- Director
- Tony Kaye
- Release Date
- 1998-07-01
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 8.3 / 10 (12954)
Cast
- Edward Norton
- Edward Furlong
- Beverly D'Angelo
- Jennifer Lien
- Ethan Suplee
- Fairuza Balk
- Avery Brooks
- Elliott Gould
- Stacy Keach
- William Russ
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 American History X about?
- A reformed white supremacist races to rescue his younger brother from the ideology and violence that once defined his own life.
- What is American History X like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of American History X as brisk, its intensity as extreme and its storytelling as layered.
- Is American History X violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in American History X as graphic.
- What did critics think of American History X?
- Critics broadly found the film hard-hitting and provocatively directed, with Edward Norton's commanding performance providing crucial weight despite concerns that its treatment of racism can be simplistic or underdeveloped.
- Which films are like American History X?
- Films with a similar feel include La Haine, This Is England, and A Prophet.
- How long is American History X?
- American History X runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch American History X?
- In United States, American History X is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
