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The Insider

The Insider

Two men driven to tell the truth … whatever the cost.

1999157 minRMidcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Director
Michael Mann
Starring
Al Pacino, Russell Crowe, Christopher Plummer, Diane Venora

A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Insider?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Insider to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Insider?

The Insider earns 9 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Top 5% of films.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Insider worth watching?

The Insider's Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 352K ratings across 6 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

97th percentile among Biography98th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

79 /100

96th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Biography97th percentile among 1990s

Critics 85 · Audience 79

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

88% liked it

97th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Biography97th percentile among 1990s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Critics 96% · Audience 90%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 7 Oscar noms · 21 wins / 58 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Actor in a Leading Role
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Cinematography

97th percentile

352K ratings across platforms

94th percentile among Biography96th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 15% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$90M
Opening weekend$6.7M
Domestic gross$29M
Worldwide gross$60M

Returned 0.7× its budget — 91st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A long, slow-burn drama about a tobacco-industry whistleblower and the journalists who fought to get his story on 60 Minutes.

Fans praised

  • Russell Crowe's deeply internal and vulnerable portrayal of a flawed whistleblower
  • Michael Mann's masterful, tense direction that turns a dialog-driven story into a gripping thriller
  • Intelligent script that layers journalistic integrity, corporate pressure and personal sacrifice

Detractors panned

  • Overlong runtime with repetitive scenes that dilute the dramatic impact
  • Slow pacing and lack of kinetic action make it a tedious, boring watch
  • Self-important tone that over-dramatizes a story already widely known

What stands out

ActingDivisive88

Crowe and Pacino deliver career-best performances, with Crowe disappearing into the role of Wigand and Pacino providing a grounded, fiery turn

AtmosphereDivisive85

Thick with paranoia and dread, pulling the viewer into Wigand's world

DialogueDivisive83

Sharp, penetrating dialogue that drives the moral and legal conflicts

CharactersDivisive82

Complex, morally conflicted protagonists written with depth and realistic flaws, though detractors find them unlikable

TensionDivisive80

Relentless, slow-burning suspense from ethical and legal threats

Emotional impactDivisive78

Deeply affecting portrayal of a man losing everything for the truth

Plot and storyDivisive75

Fascinating true story of whistleblowing and media censorship, but some call it thin and repetitive

PacingDivisive55

Consistent slow-burn tension praised by fans, relentlessly dull and overlong for detractors

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 11 points higher than women.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is The Insider like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something to think about afterwards.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
TenseHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material completely straight, treating the journalistic and moral struggle with grave seriousness and no irony.
The rideThe film sustains a high-tension, claustrophobic pressure through the corporate and legal battles, with brief flashes of hope; the middle third is the most relentlessly grim.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Wigand's firing through his decision to testify and the ensuing corporate and network pressure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingInfuriating · 4% of films: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you angry at the corruption of Big Tobacco and CBS, and deep in thought about journalistic integrity, corporate power, and personal sacrifice.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% (this title) · 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%: Treasure hunt 1% · 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%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Corporate villainy: A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeThe story follows a whistleblower and a producer fighting to expose the lies of Big Tobacco, fitting the corporate villainy subtype of overcoming the monster, with a secondary rebirth arc as Wigand rebuilds his life after the fallout.

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 filmsSelfTruthIdeas
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · 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% (this title): Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Ideas

Truth · 4% of filmsJustice · 13% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the personal and professional cost of speaking truth to power, and whether the system can deliver justice.
StanceThe film fiercely affirms the value of truth-telling and the integrity of whistleblowers, even as it mourns the personal cost and the institutional cowardice that opposes them.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Pieter Bourke, Lisa Gerrard
SettingMid-1990s America: boardrooms, newsrooms, courtrooms, and the domestic spaces of a whistleblower under siege
MusicThe haunting, wordless vocal pieces by Lisa Gerrard underscore the isolation and moral weight of Wigand's ordeal.

Content guide

Is The Insider okay for kids?

R

The Insider is rated R: “Rated R for language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (34/100), sexual content at minimal (15/100), language at intense (78/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at moderate (43/100). Overall it is heavier than 21% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland16
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • Greece13
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyT
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/14
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 49% of all filmsHeavier than 21% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 15%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 9%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 70%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 56%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 26%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

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 The Insider have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Insider?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Al Pacino
as Lowell Bergman
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Russell Crowe
as Jeffrey Wigand
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Actor in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Christopher Plummer
as Mike Wallace
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Diane Venora
as Liane Wigand
Philip Baker Hall
as Don Hewitt
Lindsay Crouse
as Sharon Tiller
Debi Mazar
as Debbie De Luca
Stephen Tobolowsky
as Eric Kluster
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Colm Feore
as Richard Scruggs
Bruce McGill
as Ron Motley

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Insider?

Movies like The Insider include Official Secrets (2019), The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) and Bridge of Spies (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, most are courtroom dramas, and several are stories about spies.

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

5 of these 12 share its subject: truth. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Insider?

778 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: courtroom drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.