Cape Fear
1991, English. Directed by Martin Scorsese.
Sam Bowden has always provided for his family's future. But the past is coming back to haunt them.
Sam Bowden is a small-town corporate attorney. Max Cady is a tattooed, cigar-smoking, Bible-quoting, psychotic rapist. What do they have in common? 14 years ago, Sam was a public defender assigned to Max Cady's rape trial, and he made a serious error: he hid a document from his illiterate client that could have gotten him acquitted. Now, the cagey Cady has been released, and he intends to teach Sam Bowden and his family a thing or two about loss.
- Runtime
- 2h 8m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.3/10 from 4,090 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Cape Fear
Cape Fear is streaming on JioHotstar in India.
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Martin ScorseseDirector
- Nick NolteSam Bowden
- Robert De NiroMax Cady
- Jessica LangeLeigh Bowden
- Juliette LewisDanielle Bowden
- Joe Don BakerClaude Kersek
- Robert MitchumLieutenant Elgart
- Gregory PeckLee Heller
- Martin BalsamJudge
- Illeana DouglasLori Davis
- Fred ThompsonTom Broadbent
- Zully MonteroGraciella
- Craig HennePrisoner
Details
- Released
- 13 November 1991
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Wesley Strick
- Budget
- $35M
- Box office
- $182M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Cape Fear is based on
Cape Fear is based on Cape Fear, a 1962 film and The Executioners (1957) by John D. MacDonald, published by Simon & Schuster.
Film · 1962
Cape Fear
1957
The Executioners
By John D. MacDonald
Published by Simon & Schuster
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
Watch before Cape Fear
In release order. The films it follows, and anything it builds on.
After Cape Fear
What comes next in the series.
If you liked Cape Fear
Cop
1988 · 6.4/10
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Cape Fear: quick answers
What should I watch before Cape Fear?
Watch Cape Fear (1962) first.
What comes after Cape Fear?
Next in the series: Cape Fear (2026, TV series).
Is Cape Fear worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.3/10 from 4,090 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Cape Fear?
Cape Fear runs 128 minutes (2h 8m).
Does Cape Fear have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Cape Fear. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Cape Fear parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Cape Fear is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Cape Fear on?
Cape Fear is streaming on JioHotstar in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Cape Fear?
If you liked Cape Fear, try Cop, A Good Woman Is Hard to Find, Death Wish.
Who directed Cape Fear?
Cape Fear (1991) was directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Nick Nolte, Robert De Niro, Jessica Lange.
What is Cape Fear based on?
Cape Fear is based on Cape Fear, a 1962 film and The Executioners (1957) by John D. MacDonald, published by Simon & Schuster.