Is Death Note Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Death Note is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 101 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Death Note Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Death Note emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Fantasy, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Light Turner finds a supernatural notebook and uses it to mete out death, attracting the attention of a detective, a demon and a girl in his class. Unlike standard genre fare, Death Note 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 Death Note features a noteworthy lineup led by Nat Wolff . Supported by the likes of LaKeith Stanfield and Margaret Qualley , 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 Death Note (2017) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Death Note Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Death Note is a Crime, Fantasy, Horror 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. Light Turner finds a supernatural notebook and uses it to mete out death, attracting the attention of a detective, a demon and a girl in his class. 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: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Death Note Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Death Note attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Death Note reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Death Note Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Death Note incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, fantasy, horror 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: Death Note adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Death Note?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Death Note Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Death Note Budget
The estimated production budget for Death Note is $40.0M. 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 Death Note
- Nat Wolff – Light Turner
- LaKeith Stanfield – L
- Margaret Qualley – Mia Sutton
- Shea Whigham – James Turner
- Willem Dafoe – Ryuk (voice)
Top Highlights
Nat WolffLight Turner
LaKeith StanfieldL
Margaret QualleyMia Sutton
Shea WhighamJames Turner
Willem DafoeRyuk (voice)
Jason LilesRyuk
Paul NakauchiWatari
Jack EttlingerKenny Doyle
Matthew Kevin AndersonAgent Young
Chris BrittonPeltz
Where to Watch Death Note Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixParents Guide & Age Rating
Death Note is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.3/10, and global collection metrics, Death Note stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death Note movie hit or flop?
Death Note is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.3/10 and lower collections.
Is Death Note worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.3/10, Death Note may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Death Note online?
Death Note is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix depending on your region.
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How Death Note Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Death Note
_Death Note_ - _★★★★_ While different from the anime, and surely the manga, Death Note is an enjoyable adaption. If you watched the anime, you know that the series’s first episode titled “Rebirth” starts out in the Shinigami Realm. We unfortunately do not see this scene or ever visit the Shinigami Realm but I think that’s just fine for this adaption as when we meet Ryuk for the first time, it’s so cool and terrifying at the same time. The film didn’t feel rushed despite having a fast pace but I never felt lost. In addition, the killings were gruesome. Also let me just say Margaret Qualley is bae to unbelievable max. Her Mia Sutton (originally Misa Amane) is just UGH <3 Nat Wolff was actually fairly decent as Light Turner (originally Light Yagami). Keith Stanfield as L was different but not totally in a negative way. And as expected, WILLEM DAFOE AS RYUK IS PERFECT!
Despite tentative hopes, the Netflix live action movie for Death Note was painful to watch. Watching with my husband and another friend who was a fan of the original anime, we switched it off after 10 minutes soon after Light's girly screaming. I did manage to play the rest on my own while multi-tasking since I felt I owed it that much. The shinigami Ryuk was the one cool thing, even if they changed his amused observer role the acting and effects for him were great. Everything else though? Instead of a top role model perfect student equally liked by fellow students and adults, Light became a whiney emo brat with so many issues. Mia, who filled in for Misa's role, instead of sweet ditzy but still somewhat smart (and definitely loyal to a fault in her love) just became a *itch. Now I always rooted for L, but these two are our protagonists of the story and unlike the original source, I could find nothing likable or admirable about them. The gore-fest was also distracting. Death Note is a very toned down thriller with most deaths happening naturally with heart attacks, implied suicides, hit by a car and so on but expect Final Destination shock-factor and gory deaths in this adaption.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
