Is The Midnight Man Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Midnight Man is likely a skip if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 119 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Midnight Man Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1974, The Midnight Man emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An ex-convict, and ex-cop, finds himself in the midst of drama as a murder, of a female student, is commited at the university where he works as a night watchman. Unlike standard genre fare, The Midnight Man 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 The Midnight Man features a noteworthy lineup led by Burt Lancaster . Supported by the likes of Susan Clark and Cameron Mitchell , 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 The Midnight Man (1974) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Midnight Man Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Midnight Man is a Mystery, 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.
The Midnight Man Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Midnight Man 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 The Midnight Man reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Midnight Man?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Midnight Man
- Burt Lancaster – Jim Slade
- Susan Clark – Linda Thorpe
- Cameron Mitchell – Quartz Willinger
- Morgan Woodward – Philip Clayborne
- Harris Yulin – Sheriff Jack Casey
Top Highlights
Burt LancasterJim Slade
Susan ClarkLinda Thorpe
Cameron MitchellQuartz Willinger
Morgan WoodwardPhilip Clayborne
Harris YulinSheriff Jack Casey
Robert QuarryDr. Prichette
Joan LorringJudy Willinger
Lawrence DobkinWaldo Mason
Ed LauterLeroy
Mills WatsonCash
Where to Watch The Midnight Man Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ 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
The Midnight Man 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 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Midnight Man stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1974 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Midnight Man movie hit or flop?
The Midnight Man has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Midnight Man worth watching?
The Midnight Man is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Mystery, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Midnight Man online?
The Midnight Man 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.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
