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High Risk

High Risk

Getting in was easy... getting out was war!!!

198194 minRMidcredits score: 35th percentile of all films
Director
Stewart Raffill
Starring
James Brolin, Anthony Quinn, James Coburn, Ernest Borgnine

Four American friends, badly needing money, decide to make a commando-like raid into a South American drug lord's compound.

Where to watch

Where can I watch High Risk?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists High Risk streaming on The Roku Channel (free).

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Your rating, lists and review

Reception

Is High Risk worth watching?

High Risk's Midcredits score is the 35th percentile of all films, from 2K ratings across 4 sources. 36% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

35th percentile

Better received than 35% of films

51st percentile among Action37th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)39th
Approval (how many liked it)32nd

58 /100

39th percentile of all films

56th percentile among Action40th percentile among 1980s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.0 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

36% liked it

32nd percentile of all films

46th percentile among Action34th percentile among 1980s
36% rated it 7–1064% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

43rd percentile

2K ratings across platforms

29th percentile among Action39th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 39% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

An obscure, low-budget action-comedy about four amateurs robbing a drug lord, with a strong cast and a mix of humor and violence.

Fans praised

  • Cast chemistry and veteran performances, especially Quinn, Coburn, and Brolin
  • Tone blending slapstick comedy with real danger and violence
  • Fast-paced, lean storytelling with no padding

Detractors panned

  • Implausible plot requiring extreme suspension of disbelief
  • Unconvincing amateur characters making stupid decisions

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

Cast of veterans elevates material; Quinn and Coburn praised despite small roles

PacingDivisive70

Relentless forward momentum; no wasted scenes

HumorDivisive60

Slapstick and situational comedy lands unevenly

EndingDivisive60

Ambiguous, abrupt cliffhanger divides audiences

AtmosphereDivisive60

Jungle setting feels exotic and immersive

CharactersDivisive55

Four leads feel like genuine friends but are green and naive

Originality40

Derivative of other heist/adventure films; some fresh gags

Plot and storyDivisive35

Premise trite and unrealistic; fans forgive for fun execution

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is High Risk like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It has a few laughs and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingTenseAbsurd
Heaviest: middle
Slapstick humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayfulBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film blends action and slapstick comedy with moments of real danger, playing its heightened adventure with a straight face despite the absurd premise.
The rideThe middle section carries the highest tension as the characters are hunted in the jungle, with chases and gunfights.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional beginning-middle-end order: setup (planning the heist), complication (escape and being hunted), and an ambiguous climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you amused by the adventure and the camaraderie, but also wondering about the unresolved fate of the characters.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Quest
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% (this title) · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Treasure hunt: Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

Why this archetypeFour friends plan a robbery to steal $5 million from a drug lord, then spend the rest of the film trying to escape with the money while being hunted.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfAmbitionSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Ambition · 7% of filmsFriendship · 9% of filmsSurvival
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film focuses on four ordinary men driven by financial desperation to take an enormous risk, with their bond tested by the escalating danger.
StanceThe film cheerfully follows four ordinary men taking a reckless gamble, rooting for their success while acknowledging the danger.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanWildernessInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Mark Snow
SettingA South American jungle compound and surrounding mountains, with brief scenes in Los Angeles.
MusicFunctional orchestral score typical of early-80s action comedies.

Content guide

Is High Risk okay for kids?

R

High Risk is rated R. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its language at intense (78/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Germany16
Overall
Intense · 3 of 5 categories
not ranked
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (5 votes across 3 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does High Risk have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in High Risk?

Cast

James Brolin
as Stone
Anthony Quinn
as Mariano
James Coburn
as Serrano
Ernest Borgnine
as Clint
Bruce Davison
as Dan
Cleavon Little
as Rockney
Chick Vennera
as Tony
Lindsay Wagner
as Oli
Douglas Sandoval
as Mariano's Tracker
David Young
as Pilot

Crew

More like this

What are movies like High Risk?

Movies like High Risk include Overdrive (2017), Dhoom (2004) and Ordinary Decent Criminal (2000). Of the 12 closest matches, most are treasure hunt stories, and several are hunter-and-hunted stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its story type: heist. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with High Risk?

1.5K other films share the rarest tag below, premise: heist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.