Is Arlington Road Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Arlington Road is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 117 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Arlington Road Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1999, Arlington Road emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Bedraggled college professor Michael Faraday has been vexed — and increasingly paranoid — since his wife's accidental death in a botched FBI operation. Unlike standard genre fare, Arlington Road attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Arlington Road features a noteworthy lineup led by Jeff Bridges . Supported by the likes of Tim Robbins and Joan Cusack , 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 Arlington Road (1999) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Arlington Road Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Arlington Road is a Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Bedraggled college professor Michael Faraday has been vexed — and increasingly paranoid — since his wife's accidental death in a botched FBI operation. When a seemingly all-American couple set up house next door, Michael begin to suspect there’s more to them than meets the eye. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- 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 climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Arlington Road Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Arlington Road resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Arlington Road reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Arlington Road Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Arlington Road incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller, mystery film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Arlington Road adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Arlington Road?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Arlington Road Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $31.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $41.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Arlington Road Budget
The estimated production budget for Arlington Road is $31.0M. 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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Full Cast & Crew of Arlington Road
- Jeff Bridges – Michael Faraday
- Tim Robbins – Oliver Lang
- Joan Cusack – Cheryl Lang
- Hope Davis – Brooke Wolfe
- Robert Gossett – FBI Agent Whit Carver
Top Highlights
Jeff BridgesMichael Faraday
Tim RobbinsOliver Lang
Joan CusackCheryl Lang
Hope DavisBrooke Wolfe
Robert GossettFBI Agent Whit Carver
Mason GambleBrady Lang
Spencer Treat ClarkGrant Faraday
Stanley AndersonDr. Archer Scobee
Lee StringerOrderly
Darryl CoxTroopmaster
Where to Watch Arlington Road Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Arlington Road is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Arlington Road stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington Road movie hit or flop?
Arlington Road is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Drama, Thriller movies.
Is Arlington Road worth watching?
Yes, Arlington Road is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Drama, Thriller cinema.
Where can I watch Arlington Road online?
Arlington Road is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Arlington Road Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Arlington Road
Mindbendingly horrifying! This movie had me in its grips until the very end. I wanted to look away, but I just couldn't. It left one question in my mind...What if that had been me? Jeff Bridges is a phenomenon in this.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
