Primal Fear
1996, English. Directed by Gregory Hoblit.
Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.
Defense attorney Martin Vail takes on jobs for money and prestige rather than any sense of the greater good. His latest case involves an altar boy, accused of brutally murdering the archbishop of Chicago. Vail finds himself up against his ex-pupil and ex-lover, but as the case progresses and the Church's dark secrets are revealed, Vail finds that what appeared a simple case takes on a darker, more dangerous aspect.
- Runtime
- 2h 10m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.7/10 from 4,261 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Primal Fear
Primal Fear isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Apple TV Store
YouTube
Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 3 April 1996
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Steve Shagan, Ann Biderman
- Budget
- $30M
- Box office
- $103M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Primal Fear is based on
Primal Fear is based on Primal Fear, a 1993 novel by William Diehl, published by Villard.
Novel · 1993
Primal Fear
By William Diehl
Published by Villard
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Primal Fear: quick answers
Is Primal Fear worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.7/10 from 4,261 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Primal Fear?
Primal Fear runs 130 minutes (2h 10m).
Does Primal Fear have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Primal Fear. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Primal Fear parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Primal Fear is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Primal Fear on?
Primal Fear isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Primal Fear?
If you liked Primal Fear, try Sleepers, Thief, Barron's Cove.
Who directed Primal Fear?
Primal Fear (1996) was directed by Gregory Hoblit and stars Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton.
What is Primal Fear based on?
Primal Fear is based on Primal Fear, a 1993 novel by William Diehl, published by Villard.