American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

84% Tomatometer 89 Reviews 96% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings

Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. As he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate.

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American History X

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Critics Consensus

American History X doesn't contend with its subject matter as fully as it could, but Edward Norton's performance gives this hard-hitting drama crucial weight.

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Critics Reviews

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American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (1) David Edelstein Slate Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious. Aug 19, 2011 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Geoff Andrew Time Out Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Manohla Dargis L.A. Weekly The problem is that Kaye, who's used to selling cars on TV, shoots Derek the Hater as lovingly as he would a new Volkswagen. Oct 7, 2002 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Making social statements is important, but so is quality writing. The film lacks too much in one area to be brilliant, but is successful enough in other areas that it is easily a good movie. Rated: 3/4 Oct 5, 2023 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Joseph Robinson Fish Jelly Films (YouTube) Equal parts disturbing and honest, American History X is a sobering look at the power of role models. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 19, 2023 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Akos Peterbencze Frame Rated (Medium) The first half of the film works best because it uses rigorous violence and hate-speech to build and showcase the neo-Nazi group’s philosophy. The protagonist’s transformation in the second half is not as profound. Jul 26, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Fabrícia F O realismo deste drama surpreende até o cinéfilo mais preparado pela realidade. Esse é um daqueles filmes que nos obrigam a refletir por horas no sofá depois de sua exibição. A crueza das cenas se soma a eficiência do roteiro e a fotografia. Edward Norton nos entrega uma performance insana e cruel, o que sem dúvida é o ponto alto desta história. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/13/24 Full Review Sams K Great, a perfect drama! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/27/24 Full Review sam j Extremely captivating and overall great movie Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/22/24 Full Review Audience Member Quite simply magnificent Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/10/24 Full Review Rafa This movie still relates till this day. The story is gripping and finishes off how it started. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/11/24 Full Review Howard H Takes a while to feel better about themes in movie. Character arc of a lifetime. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/15/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

Tony Kaye Director Edward Norton Derek Vinyard Edward Furlong Daniel "Danny" Vinyard Fairuza Balk Stacey Beverly D'Angelo Doris Vinyard Avery Brooks Bob Sweeney
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American History X

Edward Norton in American History X Avery Brooks and Edward Norton in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X Jennifer Lien, Beverly D'Angelo, Edward Norton and Edward Furlong in American History X Edward Furlong in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X View more photos

Synopsis Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. As he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate.

Director
Tony Kaye

Producer
John Morrissey

Screenwriter
David McKenna

Distributor
New Line Cinema

Production Co
New Line Cinema, Turman-Morrissey Company

Rating
R (Nudity|Graphic Brutal Violence|Rape|Strong Sexuality)

Genre
Drama

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 30, 1998, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 1, 2008

Box Office (Gross USA)
$6.7M

Runtime
1h 58m

Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR

Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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