The American Friend
1977, German. Directed by Wim Wenders.
Tom Ripley, an American who deals in forged art, is slighted at an auction in Hamburg by picture framer Jonathan Zimmerman. When Ripley is asked by gangster Raoul Minot to kill a rival, he suggests Zimmerman, and the two, exploiting Zimmerman's terminal illness, coerce him into being a hitman.
- Runtime
- 2h 5m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- German
- Rated
- NR
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Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.1/10 from 469 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The American Friend
The American Friend isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 12 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Wim WendersDirector
- Dennis HopperTom Ripley
- Bruno GanzJonathan Zimmermann
- Lisa KreuzerMarianne Zimmermann
- Gérard BlainRaoul Minot
- Nicholas RayAndrew Pogash Derwatt
- Samuel FullerThe American
- Peter LilienthalMarcangelo
- Daniel SchmidSamuel Igraham
- Sandy WhitelawDoctor in Paris
- Jean EustacheFriendly Man
- Lou CastelRodolphe
- Andreas DedeckeDaniel Zimmermann
Details
- Released
- 24 June 1977
- Original title
- Der amerikanische Freund
- Country
- France, Germany, United States of America
- Written by
- Wim Wenders
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News & fan talk
What The American Friend is based on
The American Friend is based on Ripley's Game, a 1974 novel by Patricia Highsmith.
Novel · 1974
Ripley's Game
By Patricia Highsmith
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The American Friend: quick answers
Is The American Friend worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.1/10 from 469 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The American Friend?
The American Friend runs 125 minutes (2h 5m).
Does The American Friend have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The American Friend. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The American Friend parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The American Friend is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The American Friend on?
The American Friend isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like The American Friend?
If you liked The American Friend, try The Public Eye, The Air I Breathe, Blood Work.
Who directed The American Friend?
The American Friend (1977) was directed by Wim Wenders and stars Dennis Hopper, Bruno Ganz, Lisa Kreuzer.
What is The American Friend based on?
The American Friend is based on Ripley's Game, a 1974 novel by Patricia Highsmith.