Is Criminal Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Criminal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

Verdict:Criminal is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.2/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Action, Crime, Science Fiction genre.
Answer: Yes, Criminal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2016, Criminal emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Crime, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of CIA Agent Bill Pope is on a mission to track down a shadowy hacker named 'The Dutchman'. Unlike standard genre fare, Criminal attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Criminal features a noteworthy lineup led by Ryan Reynolds . Supported by the likes of Kevin Costner and Gary Oldman , 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.
In summary, our editorial assessment of Criminal (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Quick Plot Summary: Criminal is a Action, Crime, Science Fiction film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. CIA Agent Bill Pope is on a mission to track down a shadowy hacker named 'The Dutchman'. When he gets mysteriously killed, an experimental procedure transfers his memories into a dangerous ex-convict. When he wakes up Pope's memories, his mission is to eliminate The Dutchman before the hacker launches ICBMs and starts World War III. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Ending Breakdown: Criminal concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
The final moments of Criminal reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Criminal incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, science fiction film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
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: Criminal adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Worth Watching If You:
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $31.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The estimated production budget for Criminal is $31.5M. 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.










Lionsgate Play
Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel
Lionsgate Play Amazon ChannelAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Criminal stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2016 cinematic year.
Criminal has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Criminal is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Crime, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Criminal is currently available for streaming on Lionsgate Play. You can also check for it on platforms like Lionsgate Play, Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel, Lionsgate Play Amazon Channel depending on your region.
**A man with the two minds!** This is a very familiar theme, but a different format and gives a different scientific excuse to execute the story. It is kind of 'Face/off' and 'Self/less' meets the 'Hardcore Henry'. It has some decent stunt sequences, but most of the film was just running and chasing around. And then there's a youngster whose involvement was the centre of the narration. It all begins when an American secret agent was killed before completing his mission in the London. The important data from his brain were transmitted to a prison serving convict and then after the surgery he goes loose. So the man hunt begins against the running out of the time where the original mission needs to be accomplished. How the rest of the story shapes up were a fast paced action-thriller. Something I don't like in the todays films are the open ending keeping in mind a sequel. This was an average box office film, but they might make another film. Wonderful cast, though. There are too many big names and everybody did the brief roles, except Kevin Costner in the main character, a tough one. But I did not know it was his film till I watch. In the poster he looked like somebody else. Though he did well along with the others, particularly Gal Gadot who I saw recently as Wonder Woman and now as an ordinary wife. A swift pace, but the story was nothing, overly depended on the star value as well as the stunts and the technical quality. Overall film was okay kind, partially entertaining, because of the performances. 6/10
Another knock-off of well-known subjects. Solid making, good cast, some action and brutality, big stakes; all the formula components are there. But the big drama fails to be emotionally engaging. OK to watch with lowered expectations, waste of time if you expect more.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.