Is Hangman Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Hangman is likely a skip if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Hangman Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Hangman emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A homicide detective teams up with a criminal profiler to catch a serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the children's game, Hangman. Unlike standard genre fare, Hangman attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hangman features a noteworthy lineup led by Al Pacino . Supported by the likes of Karl Urban and Brittany Snow , 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 Hangman (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Hangman Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Hangman is a Mystery, Crime, Thriller film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. 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. A homicide detective teams up with a criminal profiler to catch a serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the children's game, Hangman. 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.
Hangman Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Hangman attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hangman reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Hangman Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Hangman incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a mystery, crime, thriller 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: Hangman adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Hangman?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Hangman Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $104.5K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Hangman
- Al Pacino – Detective Archer
- Karl Urban – Detective Ruiney
- Brittany Snow – Christi Davies
- Sarah Shahi – Captain Lisa Watson
- Joe Anderson – Hangman
Top Highlights
Al PacinoDetective Archer
Karl UrbanDetective Ruiney
Brittany SnowChristi Davies
Sarah ShahiCaptain Lisa Watson
Joe AndersonHangman
Sloane WarrenDr. Abbey Westlin
Chelle RamosJoey Truman
Steve CoulterReverend Green
Michael RosePeter Rorick
Katelyn FarrugiaUniformed Officer
Where to Watch Hangman Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Starz Apple TV Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Hangman is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Hangman stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hangman movie hit or flop?
Hangman has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Hangman worth watching?
Hangman is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Mystery, Crime, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Hangman online?
Hangman is currently available for streaming on Starz Apple TV Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Starz Apple TV Channel depending on your region.
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How Hangman Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Hangman
Being an Al Pacino fan, I thought I would give it a look. Oh dear what a waste of time, such talent, such a shame !!
Tries to echo the crime thriller/mysteries in pursuit of a theatrical serial killer like _Se7en, Zodiac or The Bone Collector_. But it fails. It feels very much as if _Hangman_ intended to take one direction, but ran out of time or was forced to go in a worse direction. It's not complete garbage, but it is bogged down by a very awkward bit of copaganda in the middle, among other problems. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
**I want to see a movie made by professionals, not this.** In this film you will find exceptionally bad acting. Even the two heavy-weight names of Hollywood, Pacino and Urban can only do so much with the terrible script. Like in other flicks similar to this one, the makers probably meant to give a realistic edge to their storytelling, by having half the people stutter, filming the car chase like a YouTube video, or having the actors stare into nothing with a thoughtful (dumb) expression on their faces. Whoever gave the director/editor/writer of "Hangman" money for this abomination, next time give that money to me please, I promise not to flush it down the toilet. One extra star for Al and Karl, I love you guys. 26 November 2017 I am migrating my reviews from a different site which has become simply garbage. TMDB looks awesome and I look forward to be a part of it.
I THINK Al Pacino was occasionally trying to do a Southern Accent and still sound like Al Pacino, only I think he kept forgetting to do one, and you only hear it in some scenes. WTH Al? Anyway, you have seen this before, many times, only this time the killer is playing a game of hangman and that is his weird MO, like Se7en, only much lamer. It's like January Man only not as fun. It just doesn't add anything to the trope filled genre, and doesn't really have an interesting story to tell. So... the result is a subpar film with two good actors doing poor jobs, a story that doesn't add anything to the genre, least of all entertainment, and a setting that is filmed so dark they didn't need much set design and the cinematographer only needed to meter to one kind of light. Dark alone isn't moody, it's just dark, you have to add a bit of atmosphere to it. So I'd tell you to stay away. There are certainly worse films out there, but they are going to be more memorable than this.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
