45 Films Directed by Sidney Lumet
43 titles
- 1
The WizMovie · 1978 · 134m · Music, Fantasy, AdventureDorothy Gale, a kindergarten teacher, is unexpectedly transported from her normal life to the magical land of Oz. Traveling through a vibrant world, she meets a scarecrow wanting knowledge, a tin man desiring a heart, and a lion seeking courage. These unlikely friends join together on a remarkable journey to help Dorothy get back home. Along the way, they learn about friendship, believing in themselves, and the magic they possess as they face challenges and explore the unknown.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.1 - 2
12 Angry MenMovie · 1957 · 97m · DramaA young Spanish-American man is on trial for his father's murder. The prosecution and defense present a seemingly clear case, but the jury's deliberations reveal a deeper story. The jurors, each carrying their own biases, must confront their prejudices as they struggle to reach a unanimous verdict. The film is a tense and thoughtful look at how individual perspectives and group dynamics influence our understanding of justice.IMDb 9.0TMDB 8.6 - 3
EquusMovie · 1977 · 137m · Drama, Mystery, ThrillerIn Hampshire, England, psychiatrist Martin Dysart is asked to understand why Alan Strang, a young stable hand, committed a violent act: blinding six horses with a metal spike. The town is shocked and demands answers. As Dysart explores Alan's mind, he discovers a complicated mix of hidden feelings and difficult family ties that drive the boy’s inner turmoil.
Dysart’s investigation forces him to face his own personal problems, highlighting the contrast between his life and Alan’s troubled existence. The film examines mental health, religion, and societal pressures, telling a compelling story that keeps audiences engaged. With strong acting and insightful conversations, this movie is a powerful look at the human mind and its hidden darkness.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 4
DanielMovie · 1983 · 130m · DramaThe film tells the story of Daniel Isaacson, whose parents, Paul and Rochelle, were executed as Soviet spies in the 1950s. The story unfolds in 1960s New York City, where Daniel is a graduate student involved in the antiwar movement. As he struggles with his parents' deaths and doubts their conviction, Daniel faces difficult ideological conflicts that challenge his political views and his sense of family. The film explores themes of justice, moral uncertainty, and how historical events shape individual lives, offering a moving look at a young man's search for identity during a time of social change.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 5
GloriaMovie · 1999 · 108m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerThis intense drama follows Gloria, a determined woman in her middle years who spent time in prison defending her boyfriend. Back on the streets, she's pulled back into the dangerous world of organized crime she thought she'd left behind. Her life changes when a spirited six-year-old becomes part of her world after his family is violently attacked. Their relationship slowly develops into a surprising and heartfelt connection. Facing powerful mob bosses while trying to protect the young orphan who has touched her life, Gloria must confront her past and find a new way forward. The film explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of hardship.IMDb 5.2TMDB 5.8 - 6
Running on EmptyMovie · 1988 · 116m · Drama, Romance, Crime"The Popes" is about a family constantly hunted because their parents were accused of arson in the late sixties, targeting a government weapons lab in protest of the Vietnam War. For years, they've lived in hiding, avoiding authorities.
Their carefully maintained life is disrupted when their oldest son falls for a girl who questions their family's deeply held beliefs. Determined to live for himself and not be controlled by fear, he declares his intention to live his own life. This puts his future and the family's safety in jeopardy, forcing them to choose between protecting each other and staying true to what they believe in.
The film examines themes of love, identity, and loyalty against a backdrop of historical upheaval. It asks how far people will go to protect their families and whether the desire for freedom can overcome the consequences of past choices.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 7
NetworkMovie · 1976 · 122m · DramaA veteran news anchor, Howard Beale, is fired after 25 years on air due to his age. During his final broadcast, he declares he will commit suicide. Instead of being silenced, Beale's outburst unexpectedly grabs national attention and dramatically increases the network's ratings. Faced with this unprecedented situation, network executives must decide whether to capitalize on the sensationalism or attempt to return to traditional news values. The film examines themes of aging, corporate ambition, and the manipulation of emotions for profit, offering a stark portrayal of media in that era.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 8
Critical CareMovie · 1997 · 107m · Comedy, DramaDr. Werner Ernst, a young doctor working at a busy city hospital, becomes the center of a conflict between two half-sisters. They are arguing about their comatose father's care and the inheritance he left behind. As Werner deals with the legal issues and his supervisor’s focus on insurance, he must choose between following hospital rules and doing what he believes is best for the patient. This medical drama examines the difficult ethical choices healthcare workers face under modern healthcare pressures.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.4 - 9
Bye Bye BravermanMovie · 1968 · 94mMorroe Rieff discovers his friend and fellow writer, Leslie Braverman, has passed away. He meets Leslie's widow, Inez, who displays a surprising lack of grief, and joins Barnet, Felix, and Holly, three other writer friends, to attend the funeral. Their journey to pay their respects is complicated by a series of unforeseen challenges.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.7 - 10
Child's PlayMovie · 1972 · 100m · Drama, Mystery, ThrillerAt an elite boarding school for boys, strict tradition hides underlying conflict among the teachers. A new gym teacher disrupts the established order with unconventional methods, becoming caught in a bitter rivalry between two veteran instructors. As he tries to navigate their complicated relationship, he discovers a hidden world within the school – one of power struggles and surprising connections. What begins as a simple job for the gym teacher becomes a revealing look at human nature and the pressures of society.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0 - 11
The VerdictMovie · 1982 · 129m · DramaFrank Galvin, a lawyer struggling with alcoholism and working on the fringes of the legal profession, gets a chance to redeem himself when an old friend offers him a medical malpractice case. Everyone wants to settle quietly, but Galvin believes a trial is necessary for true justice. He navigates the legal system, striving to get fair outcomes for his clients while rebuilding his reputation and rediscovering his values. This story examines redemption, responsibility, and the fight for justice in a world where quick solutions often overshadow what's right.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 12
The Deadly AffairMovie · 1967 · 115mBritish secret agent Charles Dobbs investigates the supposed suicide of Foreign Office official Samuel Fennan. Dobbs believes Fennan's wife, Elsa – a Holocaust survivor – may hold answers, but superiors want him to abandon the investigation. He enlists retiring Inspector Mendel to discreetly gather information. Dobbs himself is unsettled by inconsistencies he can't explain. At home, his marriage is troubled by his wife’s infidelity. He finds a welcome connection with Dieter Frey, an old acquaintance recruited after the war. With help from a colleague and a retired policeman, Dobbs attempts to determine who is a spy and who actually killed Fennan.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 13
Before the Devil Knows You're DeadMovie · 2007 · 117m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerTwo brothers plan to rob their parents' jewelry store, but the heist quickly unravels. The botched robbery sets off a chain of events that dramatically impacts the entire family.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 14
Stage StruckMovie · 1958 · 95mA young woman journeys to New York City with dreams of becoming a celebrated stage performer, but quickly learns that achieving her ambitions will present unforeseen challenges.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.9 - 15
Prince of the CityMovie · 1981 · 167m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeIn New York City, Detective Daniel Ciello is sent by the Department of Justice to investigate corruption within his own police department. He must navigate a dangerous world while staying true to those he cares about. As Ciello investigates, he discovers a disturbing scheme involving drug smuggling to informants, revealing a conspiracy that threatens the integrity of the institution he's dedicated to. This gripping drama unfolds with a realistic and fast-paced approach, examining themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the hidden side of law enforcement in a city.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 16
Guilty as SinMovie · 1993 · 107m · Thriller, DramaA driven criminal defense lawyer takes on a case that quickly becomes unexpectedly complicated when her client is accused of murdering his wife. Faced with strong evidence of his guilt, she struggles with her conscience but feels obligated to defend him in court. The trial forces her to navigate intricate legal issues and confront her own beliefs about justice as she tries to uncover the truth behind the case. Her resolve is tested as she digs deeper into what appears to be a straightforward crime.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.6 - 17
The Morning AfterMovie · 1986 · 102m · Thriller, Mystery, RomanceAlex Sternbergen's acting career was struggling, but she's about to face a real-life crisis. She wakes with a hazy memory of a night gone wrong and finds herself caught in a dangerous situation. She's sharing a bed with a dead body, realizing her actions the night before may have serious consequences.
As she tries to understand what happened, Alex realizes she can't trust her husband Joaquin or her old friends. She must team up with Turner Kendall, a retired police officer who prefers his dog to people, to find the truth. Together, they navigate a dangerous path through Alex's past and present, trying to expose the real killer before it's too late.
In a world where trust is hard to find, Alex must confront her own problems while solving a complex conspiracy that threatens her future. Can this actress find a purpose in solving this deadly mystery?IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.9 - 18
DeathtrapMovie · 1982 · 116m · Comedy, Crime, ThrillerA successful Broadway playwright discovers a remarkable screenplay by a promising new writer. Tempted by the opportunity to claim the script as his own, he creates a deceptive plan that spirals out of control. As he manipulates those around him to achieve success, the playwright finds himself losing sight of the difference between art and reality. This intense drama explores ambition, honesty, and the repercussions of prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 19
Lovin' MollyMovie · 1974 · 98mOver nearly four decades, from 1925 to 1964, two Texas farm boys, the earnest Gid and the easygoing Johnny, compete for the heart of the captivating Molly Taylor. She repeatedly rejects both of them when they propose marriage.IMDb 5.4TMDB 4.1 - 20
The GroupMovie · 1966 · 152mIn 1933, eight close friends, part of the elite at a girls' boarding school, are on the cusp of adulthood. The film follows them through the years leading up to World War II in Europe, depicting their relationships, engagements, and marriages. It chronicles their individual journeys as they pursue careers and seek purpose, experiencing both joy and hardship along the way.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.6 - 21
Garbo TalksMovie · 1984 · 103mWhen accountant Gilbert Rolfe learns his mother has a brain tumor, he's heartbroken. Estelle, his often difficult mother, has one final desire: to meet Greta Garbo. Determined to fulfill this wish, Gilbert embarks on a frantic search for the legendary actress throughout New York City, neglecting his own life and frustrating his wife, Lisa. Will he succeed in finding Garbo before it’s too late?IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 22
The PawnbrokerMovie · 1965 · 116m · DramaThis drama follows a Jewish pawnbroker grappling with disillusionment after surviving Nazi persecution. Haunted by loss and despair, he isolates himself, convinced everyone is cruel. Years later, bitterness and regret consume him, blinding him to kindness. A chance encounter forces him to confront the impact of his choices, leading him to question if forgiveness and connection are still possible. The film explores themes of forgiveness, empathy, and redemption against the backdrop of a devastating historical period.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 23
The AppointmentMovie · 1969 · 115mLawyer Federico Fendi begins to suspect his fashion model wife, Carla, is secretly working as a high-end escort in Rome.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.6 - 24
That Kind of WomanMovie · 1959 · 92mOn a train journey to New York, a young soldier develops feelings for a woman who is essentially owned by someone else.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9 - 25
A Stranger Among UsMovie · 1992 · 110m · Crime, Mystery, ThrillerIn New York City, Detective Emily Eden investigates a murder that leads her into a complex and secretive world. A veteran police officer accustomed to hardship, she finds herself navigating unfamiliar territory where power operates outside the law.
The film follows Emily as she goes undercover, entering a hidden society with its own unwritten rules and intricate relationships. Trust is rare, and it's difficult to distinguish allies from enemies.
Determined to solve the murder, Emily pushes deeper into this unknown world. As the case becomes more complicated and dangerous, she begins to understand the society's secrets. The audience wonders if she can uncover the truth before it’s too late.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.5 - 26
Dog Day AfternoonMovie · 1975 · 124m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis true story follows John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile, two men who attempt a bank robbery in Brooklyn as a rebellion against society. Their bold plan quickly turns into a tense hostage situation and standoff with police. As the film progresses, the reasons behind the crime are revealed, adding depth to the story. The event evolves from a simple robbery into a major media sensation, placing those involved in extraordinary circumstances and revealing their weaknesses and strengths.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 27
King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to MemphisMovie · 1970 · 185mThis film chronicles the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., starting with the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott and following his pivotal role in the fight for racial equality. Featuring footage of King's powerful speeches and narrated by a notable ensemble of celebrities – including Harry Belafonte, Paul Newman, Charlton Heston, Ruby Dee, Burt Lancaster, Anthony Quinn, Walter Matthau, Ben Gazzara, Clarence Williams III, Joanne Woodward, and James Earl Jones – it serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.1 - 28
Night Falls on ManhattanMovie · 1997 · 113m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerA young District Attorney uncovers a complicated case of police corruption, forcing him to choose between his duty and loyalty to those around him. His investigation leads him down a dangerous path when he discovers connections to his own father, a man who profoundly shaped his life. Alongside his partner, he confronts questions of trust, family, and the personal sacrifices required to seek justice in a world riddled with corruption. The film is a suspenseful exploration of honesty and integrity, and the price of upholding them.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 29
The HillMovie · 1965 · 123m · Drama, WarIn North Africa during World War II, British soldiers face a difficult challenge: climbing The Hill, a seemingly impossible sand dune. Under the harsh sun, their greatest struggle isn't with the enemy, but with each other, trapped in a system of strict discipline and harsh punishments. This story explores friendship, strength, and how people endure as the soldiers battle despair and lose hope while trying to stay respectable and sane. The film offers a powerful look at this unusual wartime experience, exploring the intense and psychological fight against impossible odds – and against one another.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 30
Murder on the Orient ExpressMovie · 1974 · 128m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryIn 1935, legendary Belgian detective Hercule Poirot encounters an unexpected mystery when a snowstorm stranding a train full of passengers. Trapped together, they unknowingly share a carriage with a murderer who committed their crime the night before.
Poirot uses his keen mind and attention to detail to unravel the complex relationships among the passengers and decipher clues hidden in plain sight. As suspicion grows, Poirot races against time to uncover the truth and stop the killer before they escape, all while battling the suspenseful isolation of the snowy landscape.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 31
SerpicoMovie · 1973 · 129m · Crime, DramaFrank Serpico, an honest New York City cop, stands out from his colleagues due to his refusal to accept the widespread bribery within his department. His integrity creates conflict with fellow officers who begin to endanger him with risky assignments. When his complaints about police corruption are ignored by superiors, Frank chooses to expose the truth to the public. This sparks an investigation by the Knapp Commission but also puts him in serious danger. Serpico's story is a compelling account of a man's dedication to justice despite facing immense corruption and hardship.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 32
A View from the BridgeMovie · 1962 · 110mEddie Carbone, a Brooklyn dockworker, is married to Beatrice but secretly desires his wife's niece, Catherine, whom he's essentially raised. The arrival of two illegal immigrant brothers, Marco and Rodolpho, disrupts the family. Catherine falls for Rodolpho, and Eddie, battling his own confusing feelings, reports the brothers to the police.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.1 - 33
The Sea GullMovie · 1968 · 144mThis film adaptation of Anton Chekhov's story depicts the lives of people in the Russian countryside during the late 19th century.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 34
The Anderson TapesMovie · 1971 · 99m · Crime, Thriller, ActionRecently released from prison after a ten-year sentence, Duke Anderson reunites with his former love, who now lives in a luxurious apartment building. He doesn't realize that his every move within the building is being secretly recorded by audio and video devices. The film explores themes of trust, betrayal, and complicated relationships set against a thrilling heist story. As Duke plans his heist, he's unknowingly watched by someone with hidden motives. This suspenseful drama examines the blurred lines of crime and morality, and the implications of being watched in today's world.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1 - 35
Find Me GuiltyMovie · 2006 · 125m · Comedy, Crime, DramaThis is the true story of Jack DiNorscio, a mobster who chose to represent himself in court, resulting in a trial that became the longest in U.S. mafia history.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 36
Just Tell Me What You WantMovie · 1980 · 112m · Comedy, RomanceThis drama follows a successful TV producer navigating the challenges of balancing her career and love life. She's burdened by a controlling boyfriend who is also her boss, and desires genuine connection and independence. A chance encounter with a talented young writer ignites an instant attraction, leading to difficult decisions. As she deals with love and work, the protagonist discovers the complexities of relationships and the importance of staying true to herself. The film explores ambition, trust, and self-discovery set against a modern city backdrop, offering a personal look at the struggles and rewards of finding happiness.IMDb 5.4TMDB 4.3 - 37
The Fugitive KindMovie · 1960 · 119m · Romance, DramaVal Xavier, a mysterious man, arrives in a secluded town and starts working at a small general store owned by the enigmatic Lady Torrence. Val doesn't know that her husband, Jabe M. Torrance, is secretly fighting a terminal illness – cancer. As Val settles into his new life, he becomes the object of interest for Carol Cutere, a captivating local woman who exists between two worlds: a vagrant and a member of the town's prominent families. The story explores Val’s complicated relationships within a community confronting themes of life, death, and everything in between.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 38
The OffenceMovie · 1973 · 112m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis drama centers on a British police detective nearing his limit after years of relentless pursuit of justice. During a difficult interrogation of a suspect accused of severe crimes against children, the detective's mental state unravels. Overwhelmed by stress and the disturbing details of the case, he begins to doubt his own principles and the effectiveness of the legal system in handling such horrific offenses. The film explores the psychological toll of extreme pressure and questions the boundaries of justice when personal integrity is at stake.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 39
Q & AMovie · 1990 · 132m · Action, Thriller, CrimeA young district attorney is determined to prosecute a corrupt police detective. His pursuit becomes complicated when he reconnects with a former lover, now protected by a powerful crime boss who refuses to help. The DA must navigate a complex network of lies and allegiances to expose the truth. The film explores themes of loyalty, right and wrong, and personal cost as the protagonist battles his past while seeking justice.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8 - 40
Last of the Mobile Hot ShotsMovie · 1970 · 100mA newlywed finds herself torn between her wealthy husband and his enigmatic half-brother.IMDb 5.1TMDB 4.2 - 41
Fail SafeMovie · 1964 · 112m · Thriller, Drama, WarA technical malfunction sets off a nuclear war scenario as a U.S. bomber squadron is mistakenly prepared to attack Moscow. With the world facing imminent nuclear destruction, the U.S. President must prevent global catastrophe within hours. The film depicts the intense political pressures, military challenges, and acts of heroism as leaders struggle with their toughest decision, racing against time to avert a terrifyingly real disaster.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 42
Strip SearchMovie · 2004 · 56m · DramaStrip Search explores the conflict between personal freedoms and national security in the wake of 9/11. The film follows several interconnected stories, with two central plots focusing on an American woman held in China and an Arab man detained in New York City.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 43
Long Day's Journey Into NightMovie · 1962 · 170m · DramaIn August 1912, fog hangs over a small town where a retired Irish actor experiences a difficult day. The day challenges his relationships and forces him to face his past. His wife's growing morphine addiction and unpredictable behavior strain their marriage. His older son's reckless actions remind him of his parenting failures, while his youngest son’s illness worries them about the future. As family secrets emerge, buried guilt, anger, and regret threaten to shatter their bonds. This story explores love, guilt, and self-discovery, revealing the raw emotions within an ordinary family during an extraordinary time.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0
