Movie

Primal Fear

“Sooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.”

★ 7.7(3,950)19962h 10m

Primal Fear is streaming on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus and Philo in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. Availability checked 9 June 2026.

Where to watch Primal Fear

🇺🇸 United States

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Good to know

Director: Gregory Hoblit
Release date: 1996-04-03
Runtime: 2h 10m
Language: English
Box office: $102,616,183
Budget: $30,000,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Primal Fear — trailer

About Primal Fear

Primal Fear is a 1996 movie in the Crime, Drama and Mystery genres, directed by Gregory Hoblit, starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney and Edward Norton. It has a runtime of 2 hours 10 minutes. It holds an average rating of 7.7/10 from 3,950 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Primal Fear in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

Defense attorney Martin Vail takes on jobs for money and prestige rather than any sense of the greater good. His latest case involves an altar boy, accused of brutally murdering the archbishop of Chicago. Vail finds himself up against his ex-pupil and ex-lover, but as the case progresses and the Church's dark secrets are revealed, Vail finds that what appeared a simple case takes on a darker, more dangerous aspect.

Cast

Richard Gere

Martin Vail

Laura Linney

Janet Venable

Edward Norton

Aaron/Roy Stampler

John Mahoney

Shaughnessy

Alfre Woodard

Shoat

Frances McDormand

Molly

Terry O'Quinn

Yancy

Andre Braugher

Goodman

Steven Bauer

Pinero

Joe Spano

Stenner

Tony Plana

Martinez

Stanley Anderson

Rushman

Themes & keywords

chicago, illinoisdeath penaltychild abusecorruptionbased on novel or bookcourt casecourtpsychopathbishopmanipulationpornographic videolawyercapital punishmentwhodunitpsychiatrist

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Primal Fear in United States?+

In United States, you can stream Primal Fear on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus and Philo. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Is Primal Fear on Netflix?+

Primal Fear is not on Netflix in United States right now, but you can stream it on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus and Philo.

How long is Primal Fear?+

Primal Fear has a runtime of 2 hours 10 minutes (130 minutes).

Who stars in Primal Fear?+

Primal Fear stars Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton, John Mahoney and Alfre Woodard.

When did Primal Fear come out?+

Primal Fear is a 1996 movie directed by Gregory Hoblit.

What genre is Primal Fear?+

Primal Fear is Crime, Drama, Mystery and Thriller film.

Who directed Primal Fear?+

Primal Fear was directed by Gregory Hoblit.