Is Citizenfour Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Citizenfour is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Citizenfour Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2014, Citizenfour emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In June 2013, Laura Poitras and reporter Glenn Greenwald flew to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden. Unlike standard genre fare, Citizenfour attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Citizenfour features a noteworthy lineup led by Edward Snowden . Supported by the likes of Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Citizenfour (2014) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.7/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Citizenfour Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Citizenfour is a Documentary film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. 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. In June 2013, Laura Poitras and reporter Glenn Greenwald flew to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden. She brought her camera with her. 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 protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Citizenfour Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Citizenfour resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
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 documentary themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Citizenfour demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Citizenfour?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Documentary cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre filmmaking
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Citizenfour Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $3.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Citizenfour
- Edward Snowden – Self
- Glenn Greenwald – Self
- Laura Poitras – Self
- William Binney – Self
- Barack Obama – Self
Top Highlights
Edward SnowdenSelf
Glenn GreenwaldSelf
Laura PoitrasSelf
William BinneySelf
Barack ObamaSelf
Jacob AppelbaumSelf
Julian AssangeSelf
Jeremy ScahillSelf
Kevin BankstonSelf
Ewen MacAskillSelf
Where to Watch Citizenfour Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Citizenfour is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.7/10, and global collection metrics, Citizenfour stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2014 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citizenfour movie hit or flop?
Citizenfour is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary movies.
Is Citizenfour worth watching?
Yes, Citizenfour is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary cinema.
Where can I watch Citizenfour online?
Citizenfour may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Citizenfour Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Citizenfour
The documentary is good and the story telling is easy to follow but I felt that it was too artificially turned into a spying movie ... even when it is the closest to a real spying movie, but it doesn't have to recall fiction. In any case, I think the positive reviews and the importance of the documentary is much more because of what Snowden had to say and tell us about US' NSA, not that much about the documentary itself.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
Browse All Box Office ReportsGlobal Hit-or-Flop VerdictsIs it Worth Watching? GuideIs Citizenfour Worth Watching?Citizenfour Box Office VerdictCitizenfour Collection & BudgetWhere to Watch Citizenfour OnlineBest Movies of 2014Top Rated Documentary MoviesMore Documentary MoviesEdward Snowden Movies & Hits
