Appointment with Death

  • 1988
  • PG
  • 102m
movieMx RATING
6.1/10$159.0
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Appointment with Death Review

Last updated: January 22, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 22, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 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 Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Appointment with Death features a noteworthy lineup led by Peter Ustinov . Supported by the likes of Lauren Bacall and Carrie Fisher , 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 Appointment with Death (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: Appointment with Death

Quick Plot Summary: Appointment with Death is a Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Drama 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.

Ending Explained: Appointment with Death

Ending Breakdown: Appointment with Death 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 Appointment with Death reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Appointment with Death Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Appointment with Death incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, crime, mystery, drama 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: Appointment with Death adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Appointment with Death?

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: Appointment with Death

Metric / RegionCollection (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.

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Top Cast: Appointment with Death

All Cast & Crew →
Peter Ustinov
Peter UstinovHercule Poirot
Lauren Bacall
Lauren BacallLady Westholme
Carrie Fisher
Carrie FisherNadine Boynton
John Gielgud
John GielgudColonel Carbury
Piper Laurie
Piper LaurieEmily Boynton
Hayley Mills
Hayley MillsMiss Quinton
Jenny Seagrove
Jenny SeagroveDr. Sarah King
David Soul
David SoulJefferson Cope
Nicholas Guest
Nicholas GuestLennox Boynton
Valerie Richards
Valerie RichardsCarol Boynton
John Terlesky
John TerleskyRaymond Boynton
Amber Bezer
Amber BezerGinevra Boynton
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Where to Watch Appointment with Death Online?

Streaming Hub

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Appointment with Death Parents Guide & Age Rating

1988 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Appointment with Death age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Appointment with Death is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Appointment with Death is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Appointment with Death stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.

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.

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How Appointment with Death Compares & Where it Ranks

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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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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.1
Appointment with Death
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