American Animals
Performance & Direction: American Animals Review
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is American Animals (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and American Animals features a noteworthy lineup led by Evan Peters . Supported by the likes of Barry Keoghan and Blake Jenner , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of American Animals (2018) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: American Animals
Quick Plot Summary: American Animals is a Drama, Crime, Documentary film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Lexington, Kentucky, 2004. Four young men attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in the history of the United States. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: American Animals
Ending Breakdown: American Animals concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of American Animals reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
American Animals Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
American Animals incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime, documentary film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: American Animals adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch American Animals?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: American Animals
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
American Animals Budget
The estimated production budget for American Animals is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: American Animals
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch American Animals Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeAmerican Animals Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about American Animals age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of American Animals is 117 minutes (1h 57m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, American Animals is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Animals worth watching?
American Animals is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find American Animals parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for American Animals identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of American Animals?
The total duration of American Animals is 117 minutes, which is approximately 1h 57m long.
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How American Animals Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for American Animals
If I had've known in advance that _American Animals_ was going to be a True Crime Doco that was 95% re-enactment, I probably wouldn't have watched it. Because that sounds like everything I hate about American television. Glad I didn't though, because that meant I did watch it, and _American Animals_ is actually quite good. _Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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