Is Legend Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Legend is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 132 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Legend Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2015, Legend emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Suave, charming and volatile, Reggie Kray and his unstable twin brother Ronnie start to leave their mark on the London underworld in the 1960s. Unlike standard genre fare, Legend attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Legend features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Hardy . Supported by the likes of Emily Browning and Christopher Eccleston , 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 Legend (2015) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Legend Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Legend is a Crime, Thriller 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. Suave, charming and volatile, Reggie Kray and his unstable twin brother Ronnie start to leave their mark on the London underworld in the 1960s. Using violence to get what they want, the siblings orchestrate robberies and murders while running nightclubs and protection rackets. With police Detective Leonard "Nipper" Read hot on their heels, the brothers continue their rapid rise to power and achieve tabloid notoriety. 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.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Legend Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Legend resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Legend reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Legend Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Legend incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Legend adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Legend?
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
Legend Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $43.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Legend Budget
The estimated production budget for Legend is $25.0M. 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 Legend
- Tom Hardy – Ronald Kray / Reginald Kray
- Emily Browning – Frances Shea
- Christopher Eccleston – Leonard 'Nipper' Read
- David Thewlis – Leslie Payne
- Taron Egerton – Mad Teddy Smith
Top Highlights
Tom HardyRonald Kray / Reginald Kray
Emily BrowningFrances Shea
Christopher EcclestonLeonard 'Nipper' Read
David ThewlisLeslie Payne
Taron EgertonMad Teddy Smith
Chazz PalminteriAngelo Bruno
Colin MorganFrank Shea
Paul BettanyCharlie Richardson
Tara FitzgeraldElsie Shea
Paul AndersonAlbert Donoghue
Where to Watch Legend Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Lionsgate Play
VI movies and tv
Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel
Lionsgate Play Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Legend 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 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Legend stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2015 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Legend movie hit or flop?
Legend is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Thriller movies.
Is Legend worth watching?
Yes, Legend is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Thriller cinema.
Where can I watch Legend online?
Legend is currently available for streaming on Lionsgate Play. You can also check for it on platforms like Lionsgate Play, VI movies and tv, Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel, Lionsgate Play Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Legend Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Legend
'Legend' was not a very good film. It was poorly acted and written on the most part. It was predictable and just seemed like a forgettable straight-to-video gangster film. However, the only saving grace (and a really good one) was Tom Hardy. Hardy was brilliant in the main roles (playing both of the Kray twins). He made the film funny and really tense when it tried to be. The soundtrack was also really good. ★★★
Tom Hardy is quite accomplished here as he portrays both of the legendary London gangster Kray twins. The pair managed to stay one step ahead of the pursuing constabulary (led here by Christopher Ecclestone's ocassional appearances as "Nipper of there Yard") for many a year living the life of Riley whilst killing, extorting and running a network of protection rackets in the East of the city through their infamous "Firm" gang of henchmen. His persona of Reggie presents us with the more calculating, business-like approach whilst his portrayal of the sometimes gay Ronnie delivers a loose-cannon, violent character - but to be clear, it's pretty safe to say that neither are to be messed with, even by those closest to them. Much of the narrative dwells rather disappointingly on the relationship between Reggie and his first wife Frances (Emily Browning) and actually the rest of this is all rather weak and shallow. Aside from a few flirtations in a seamy gay brothel, the seedier side of Ronnie's life is barely touched upon and the story seems intent more on bringing us the bullet points of their lives rather than trying to develop anything like an insight into their respective (and frequently quite unstable) personalities. It's produced to a very high standard with much attention to the detail of 1960s London, but somehow the whole thing is just a bit too empty. The shell of a story that tries to cram too much into too little screen time. It's watchable, and is certainly better than the 1990 attempt at telling us the story of these brothers - but this is probably a story that can only be told comprehensively in a mini-series that allows the nature of their brutal yet sometimes quite sophisticated personalities to emerge more fully.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
