Overview
A gripping tale of betrayal and intrigue within the corridors of power.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- propulsive
- sardonic
- action movie night
- political thriller marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film to be a solidly entertaining, briskly constructed political thriller that effectively refined the Jack Ryan formula, despite limited character depth and an uncritical attraction to American power.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jack Ryan discovers that senior government figures have secretly authorized an illegal paramilitary operation in Colombia.
Ryan’s own CIA leadership conceals the operation, manipulates intelligence, and places his team at risk.
The film emphasizes helicopters, missiles, ambushes, weapons systems, flags, and ceremonies alongside political maneuvering.
The cartel-linked murders initially appear straightforward, but Ryan’s inquiry exposes hidden American involvement and a planned cover-up.
Films like Clear and Present Danger, and why
The Hunt for Red October
Shares the political thriller and espionage framework, government conspiracy, and morally complicated covert operations.
Patriot Games
Combines spy intrigue, presidential politics, action set pieces, and a principled protagonist confronting institutional secrecy.
The Constant Gardener
Shares a grounded espionage thriller tone, clandestine state violence, and tension between official policy and covert agendas.
Movie Details
- Director
- Phillip Noyce
- Release Date
- 1994-08-03
- Runtime
- 141 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (1756)
Cast
- Harrison Ford
- Willem Dafoe
- Joaquim de Almeida
- Henry Czerny
- Harris Yulin
- Donald Moffat
- Miguel Sandoval
- Raymond Cruz
- Anne Archer
- Thora Birch
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Paramount Plus Essential
- 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 Clear and Present Danger about?
- A principled CIA intelligence chief battles cartels, assassins, and his own government when a covert Colombian operation turns into a deadly cover-up.
- What is Clear and Present Danger like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Clear and Present Danger as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Clear and Present Danger violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Clear and Present Danger as moderate.
- What did critics think of Clear and Present Danger?
- Critics broadly found the film to be a solidly entertaining, briskly constructed political thriller that effectively refined the Jack Ryan formula, despite limited character depth and an uncritical attraction to American power.
- Which films are like Clear and Present Danger?
- Films with a similar feel include The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, and The Constant Gardener.
- How long is Clear and Present Danger?
- Clear and Present Danger runs 141 minutes.
- Where can I watch Clear and Present Danger?
- In United States, Clear and Present Danger streams on Paramount Plus Essential.
