They Drive by Night
Performance & Direction: They Drive by Night Review
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is They Drive by Night (1940) 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 Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and They Drive by Night features a noteworthy lineup led by George Raft . Supported by the likes of Ann Sheridan and Ida Lupino , 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 They Drive by Night (1940) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: They Drive by Night
Quick Plot Summary: They Drive by Night is a Drama, Crime, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: They Drive by Night
Ending Breakdown: They Drive by Night concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of They Drive by Night reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
They Drive by Night Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
They Drive by Night incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, 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: They Drive by Night adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch They Drive by Night?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: They Drive by Night
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $539.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
They Drive by Night Budget
The estimated production budget for They Drive by Night is $539.0K. 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: They Drive by Night
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Where to Watch They Drive by Night Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThey Drive by Night Parents Guide & Age Rating
1940 AdvisoryWondering about They Drive by Night age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of They Drive by Night is 95 minutes (1h 35m). 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, They Drive by Night is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1940 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is They Drive by Night worth watching?
They Drive by Night is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find They Drive by Night parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for They Drive by Night identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of They Drive by Night?
The total duration of They Drive by Night is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m 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.
