Is The Counselor Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Counselor is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 117 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

Verdict:The Counselor is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 5.3/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Thriller, Crime, Drama genre.
Answer: Maybe not, The Counselor is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 117 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, The Counselor emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A lawyer finds himself in far over his head when he attempts to get involved in drug trafficking. Unlike standard genre fare, The Counselor attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Counselor features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Fassbender . Supported by the likes of Penélope Cruz and Cameron Diaz , 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.
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Counselor (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Quick Plot Summary: The Counselor is a Thriller, Crime, Drama film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. A lawyer finds himself in far over his head when he attempts to get involved in drug trafficking. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Ending Breakdown: The Counselor attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
The final moments of The Counselor reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Counselor incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
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: The Counselor adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Consider Watching If:
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $71.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The estimated production budget for The Counselor 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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Fandango At HomeAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Counselor stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
The Counselor has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
The Counselor is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
The Counselor may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Unlike others, I would say it was a nice movie from Ridley Scott. Certainly not a masterpiece, but I truly enjoyed it. For his capability this movie was a below par, that's what everyone meant. As for the theme of the story, it was a phenomenal, but the screenplay is what failed very badly. To me, some of the scenes in the movie were impressive, enough to stick around the end. As has been a gangster related subject, Midas touch lacks and surprises how a great director make it slip away. Handling a tough situation, following the instinct and the facing outcome of the final result is what the movie to say in a one liner. Obviously, roles were perfectly distributed to the respective cast by the filmmakers and they had given their best as well. So no blame game for the movie's fall in that matter. In my perception it was the dull moments in the movie that acquire more than the best parts. When it was overhauled to build the story and develop characters, never showed signs of recovery. As I am a movie maniac, after seeing a movie, I always think of a sequel to follow only if it was a good one, or I pray for no sequel if it was terrible. I thought the same about this movie as well, after seeing the way it ended. I am now curious what if a sequel makes the way and impacts better than this. Because in the history, so many sequels had excelled than the previous movies. Whatever, I respect this film, not because of the director or actors, but like everyone says it should have been little better in a few areas, that's all. A movie fanatic sees the effort and appreciate it even it was not that good, but a critic sees only flaws and criticise as usual. 6/10
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.


