RATING★ 6.2/10
VERDICT ABOVE AVERAGE
Criminal (2016) movie backdrop
Criminal (2016) movie poster

Criminal Hit or Flop?

Rating
6.2/10
🎯Verdict
ABOVE AVERAGE
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
2016113 minAction, Crime, Science Fiction
Audience VerdictABOVE AVERAGE
Box Office ClassStandard

Criminal

Criminal Movie Hit or Flop?

ABOVE AVERAGE

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.

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.

6.2/10 1,824 votes
113Minutes
2016Release Year
Visual Story
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Criminal Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

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.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

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.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

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.

Criminal Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

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.

Story Breakdown

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.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • 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 final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Criminal Ending Explained & Final Analysis

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.

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 action themes established throughout the runtime.

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

Criminal Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Criminal incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, science fiction 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: Criminal adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Criminal?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Criminal Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $31.5M
Worldwide Gross $14.7M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Criminal Budget

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.

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Full Cast & Crew of Criminal

  • Ryan Reynolds – Bill Pope
  • Kevin Costner – Jerico Stewart
  • Gary Oldman – Quaker Wells
  • Tommy Lee Jones – Dr. Franks
  • Gal Gadot – Jill Pope

Top Highlights

Ryan Reynolds
Ryan ReynoldsBill Pope
Kevin Costner
Kevin CostnerJerico Stewart
Gary Oldman
Gary OldmanQuaker Wells
Tommy Lee Jones
Tommy Lee JonesDr. Franks
Gal Gadot
Gal GadotJill Pope
Alice Eve
Alice EveMarta Lynch
Michael Pitt
Michael PittJan Strook - The Dutchman
Jordi Mollà
Jordi MollàXavier Heimdahl
Antje Traue
Antje TraueElsa Mueller
Scott Adkins
Scott AdkinsPete Greensleeves

Where to Watch Criminal Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Lionsgate PlayLionsgate Play
Lionsgate Play Apple TV ChannelLionsgate Play Apple TV Channel
Lionsgate Play Amazon ChannelLionsgate Play Amazon Channel

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
Criminal is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing 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.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Criminal movie hit or flop?

Criminal has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Criminal worth watching?

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.

Where can I watch Criminal online?

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.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Criminal

How Criminal Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Criminal

🛡️

movieMx Verified

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
★ 6.2
Criminal
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/criminal-302156" 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;">★ 6.2</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Criminal</div></div></a>

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