Another 48 Hrs.
Performance & Direction: Another 48 Hrs. Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Another 48 Hrs. (1990) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Another 48 Hrs. features a noteworthy lineup led by Eddie Murphy . Supported by the likes of Nick Nolte and Brion James , 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 Another 48 Hrs. (1990) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Another 48 Hrs.
Quick Plot Summary: Another 48 Hrs. is a Thriller, Action, Comedy, Crime film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. For the past four years, San Francisco cop Jack Cates has been after an unidentified drug kingpin who calls himself the Ice Man. Jack finds a picture that proves that the Ice Man has put a price on the head of Reggie Hammond, who is scheduled to be released from prison on the next day. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- 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: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: Another 48 Hrs.
Ending Breakdown: Another 48 Hrs. concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Another 48 Hrs. reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Another 48 Hrs. Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Another 48 Hrs. incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, action, comedy, crime 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: Another 48 Hrs. adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Another 48 Hrs.?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Another 48 Hrs.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $38.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $153.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Another 48 Hrs. Budget
The estimated production budget for Another 48 Hrs. is $38.0M. 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: Another 48 Hrs.
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Another 48 Hrs. Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoAnother 48 Hrs. Parents Guide & Age Rating
1990 AdvisoryWondering about Another 48 Hrs. age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Another 48 Hrs. is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Another 48 Hrs. stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Another 48 Hrs. worth watching?
Another 48 Hrs. is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Another 48 Hrs. parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Another 48 Hrs. identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Another 48 Hrs.?
The total duration of Another 48 Hrs. is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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Critic Reviews for Another 48 Hrs.
You got framed. That's what every convict says! The theme tune says it all really, the boys are back in town. Nolte and Murphy are back together as cop and convict wading through a plot as lazy as it gets. Walter Hill directs once again and it's only his action scenes that stop this from being an outright stinker. Every thing about it comes off as a cheap cash in lacking originality, with scenes even reproduced from the first film here. A strong supporting cast of character actors file in to make some easy money, with the likes of Brion James, Ed O'Ross, Brent Jennings and Kevin Tighe at least proving to be reassuring presences. Murphy and Nolte jostle, fight each other and swear a lot, which would be OK were it not already done so much better in the first film. All things considered, it's a no brainer really to suggest you watch the first film instead. 5/10
A bit weak and the "conflict" between Nolte and Murphy was pretty convoluted (no reason for Cates to hold the money over Reggie's head to help with his investigation) but the action was okay including an over-the-top gun battle finale with a ton of broken glass everywhere. It's okay as a time-waster but nothing overly memorable. Have to wonder if this was made given the success of Lethal Weapon three years earlier (which itself was a success probably thanks to 48 HRS). **2.75/5**
This one is better then the first in my opinion. He's funnier and there's a lot more action too.
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.
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