Appointment with Death
Appointment with Death Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Movie Overview: Appointment with Death
| Movie | Appointment with Death |
| Release Year | 1988 |
| Director | Michael Winner |
| Genre | Thriller / Crime / Mystery / Drama |
| Runtime | 102 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Appointment with Death (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Appointment with Death are led by Peter Ustinov . The supporting cast, including Lauren Bacall and Carrie Fisher , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Appointment with Death does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Thriller films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Appointment with Death has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Thriller fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Appointment with Death
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Appointment with Death is a Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Drama film directed by Michael Winner. The narrative 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 involving Peter Ustinov.
Ending Explained: Appointment with Death
Appointment with Death Ending Explained: Directed by Michael Winner, Appointment with Death wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core thriller themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Peter Ustinov. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the thriller themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Appointment with Death reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Appointment with Death Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Appointment with Death Based on a True Story?
Appointment with Death draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a thriller, crime, mystery, drama film directed by Michael Winner, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Appointment with Death uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Appointment with Death?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Peter Ustinov or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Appointment with Death
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $960.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Appointment with Death Budget
The estimated production budget for Appointment with Death is $6.0M. 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: Appointment with Death
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Appointment with Death Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon ChannelAppointment with Death Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Appointment with Death age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Appointment with Death is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Appointment with Death is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Appointment with Death worth watching?
Appointment with Death is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Appointment with Death parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Appointment with Death identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Appointment with Death?
The total duration of Appointment with Death is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Appointment with Death
How Appointment with Death Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Appointment with Death
No reviews found for this filter.
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
More with Peter Ustinov
View full filmography
Part of the Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise