Death Wish
Performance & Direction: Death Wish Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Death Wish (1974) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Death Wish features a noteworthy lineup led by Charles Bronson . Supported by the likes of Hope Lange and Vincent Gardenia , 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 Wish (1974) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Death Wish
Quick Plot Summary: Death Wish is a Crime, Drama, Action film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. 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. After his wife is murdered by street punks, a pacifistic New York City architect becomes a one-man vigilante squad, prowling the streets for would-be muggers after dark. 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 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 climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Death Wish
Ending Breakdown: Death Wish concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 Wish reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Death Wish Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Death Wish incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, action 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 Wish adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Death Wish?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Death Wish
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $76.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Death Wish Budget
The estimated production budget for Death Wish is $3.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Death Wish
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Where to Watch Death Wish Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeDeath Wish Parents Guide & Age Rating
1974 AdvisoryWondering about Death Wish age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Death Wish is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Death Wish is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1974 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death Wish worth watching?
Death Wish is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Death Wish parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Death Wish identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Death Wish?
The total duration of Death Wish is 93 minutes, which is approximately 1h 33m long.
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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.
Useful Links
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