City in Fear

  • 1980
  • NR
  • 136m
movieMx RATING
5.1/108
VERDICT
AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: City in Fear Review

Last updated: February 5, 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: February 5, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is City in Fear (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and City in Fear features a noteworthy lineup led by David Janssen . Supported by the likes of Robert Vaughn and Perry King , 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 City in Fear (1980) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.1/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, City in Fear stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: City in Fear

Quick Plot Summary: City in Fear is a Drama, Thriller, TV Movie film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: City in Fear

Ending Breakdown: City in Fear attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of City in Fear reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch City in Fear?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement

Top Cast: City in Fear

All Cast & Crew →
David Janssen
David JanssenVince Perrino
Robert Vaughn
Robert VaughnHarrison Crawford III
Perry King
Perry KingLt. John Armstrong
Mickey Rourke
Mickey RourkeTony Pate
William Prince
William PrinceHarrison Crawford II
Susan Sullivan
Susan SullivanMadeleine Crawford
William Daniels
William DanielsFreeman Stribling
Pepe Serna
Pepe SernaRaymond Zavala
Allan Miller
Allan MillerGeorge Weller
M. Emmet Walsh
M. Emmet WalshSheldon Lewis
Mark Lonow
Mark LonowHenry Zeller
Lane Binkley
Lane BinkleyDoris Greasza
Advertisement

City in Fear Parents Guide & Age Rating

1980 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about City in Fear age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

City in Fear is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of City in Fear is 136 minutes (2h 16m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.1/10, and global performance metrics, City in Fear is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for City in Fear. Rating: 5.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is City in Fear worth watching?

City in Fear is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.1/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find City in Fear parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for City in Fear identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of City in Fear?

The total duration of City in Fear is 136 minutes, which is approximately 2h 16m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked City in Fear

How City in Fear Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for City in Fear

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.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.1
City in Fear
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/city-in-fear-84723" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.1</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">City in Fear</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with David Janssen

View full filmography