The Big Sleep
1978, English. Directed by Michael Winner.
Meet Philip Marlowe. The toughest private eye who ever wore a trench coat, slapped a dame and split his knuckles on a jawbone.
Private eye Philip Marlowe investigates a case of blackmail involving the two wild daughters of a rich general, a pornographer and a gangster.
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Snoozefest
Your time is worth more.
5.9/10 from 106 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Big Sleep
The Big Sleep is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Shout! Factory in India.
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YouTubeAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Part of a series
Philip Marlowe (Robert Mitchum): watch order
Cast & crew
- Michael WinnerDirector
- Robert MitchumPhilip Marlowe
- Sarah MilesCharlotte Sternwood
- Richard BooneLash Cansino
- Candy ClarkCamilla Sternwood
- Joan CollinsAgnes Lazelle
- Edward FoxJoe Brody
- John MillsInspector Carson
- James StewartGeneral Sternwood
- Oliver ReedEddie Mars
- Harry AndrewsNorris
- Colin BlakelyHarry Jones
- Richard ToddCommander Barker
Details
- Released
- 13 March 1978
- Country
- United Kingdom, United States of America
- Written by
- Michael Winner
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Big Sleep is based on
The Big Sleep is based on The Big Sleep, a 1939 novel by Raymond Chandler, published by Alfred A. Knopf.
Novel · 1939
The Big Sleep
By Raymond Chandler
Published by Alfred A. Knopf
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
Watch before The Big Sleep
In release order. The films it follows, and anything it builds on.
If you liked The Big Sleep
Marlowe
1969 · 6.2/10
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The Big Sleep
1946 · 7.6/10
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52 Pick-Up
1986 · 6.1/10
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Sunset
1988 · 5.7/10
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Lady in Cement
1968 · 6.1/10
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The Long Goodbye
1973 · 7.4/10
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American Gigolo
1980 · 6.2/10
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The Brasher Doubloon
1947 · 6.0/10
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The Canary Murder Case
1929 · 5.8/10
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Harper
1966 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickFans watch both
The Big Sleep: quick answers
What should I watch before The Big Sleep?
Watch Farewell, My Lovely (1975) first.
Is The Big Sleep worth watching?
Our verdict is Snoozefest: Your time is worth more. It scores 5.9/10 from 106 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Big Sleep?
The Big Sleep runs 100 minutes (1h 40m).
Does The Big Sleep have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Big Sleep. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Big Sleep parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Big Sleep is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Big Sleep on?
The Big Sleep is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Shout! Factory in India. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Big Sleep?
If you liked The Big Sleep, try Marlowe, The Big Sleep, 52 Pick-Up.
Who directed The Big Sleep?
The Big Sleep (1978) was directed by Michael Winner and stars Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles, Richard Boone.
What is The Big Sleep based on?
The Big Sleep is based on The Big Sleep, a 1939 novel by Raymond Chandler, published by Alfred A. Knopf.