sign in
register
Watch
Criterion Channel Apple TV Google Play Movies
+5
On the Waterfront
On the Waterfront
+5
JustWatch
Your probable score
?
On the Waterfront

On the Waterfront

1954
Romance, Drama
1h 48m
Terry Malloy dreams about being a prize fighter, while tending his pigeons and running errands at the docks for Johnny Friendly, the corrupt boss of the dockers union. Terry witnesses a murder by two of Johnny's thugs, and later meets the dead man's sister and feels responsible for his death. She introduces him to Father Barry, who tries to force him to provide information for the courts that will smash the dock racketeers. (IMDB.com)

Directed by:

Elia Kazan

Screenwriter:

Budd Schulberg, Malcolm Johnson

Starring:

Marlon Brando, Pat Hingle, Eva Marie Saint, Martin Balsam, Rod Steiger, Lee J. Cobb, Karl Malden, Pat Henning, Leif Erickson, Fred Gwynne, Don Blackman, James Westerfield

Genres:

Romance, Drama, Crime

Country:

USA

Language:

English
imdb IMDb
Update history
Suggest edit

On the Waterfront

1954
Romance, Drama
1h 48m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 71.76% from 3645 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(3673)
Compact view
clear
Compact view
Show
Sort
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
25th
Good, but not especially impressive. It's mostly the performances that make it decent. It's hard to watch this without considering the personal implications it had for Kazan. Also, the score is unbearably oppressive.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
magbMagb
Rated 06 Feb 2007
75
50th
One of the worst musical scores of all time single-handedly manages to knock this one down from "great" to just "good" for me. Perhaps its greatest achievement is introducing a new, more naturalistic style of acting to Hollywood. The story is good, but it doesn't blow me away.
Rated 06 Feb 2007
farzanFarzan
Rated 17 Aug 2007
89
88th
I know people are sick and tired of hearing this, but here it is: Marlon Brando is the shit. His performance is absolutely stellar, and Eva Marie Saint is smokin. But Lee J Cobb really stands out in this, I don't know if it is because I adore him in 12 Angry Men, but Cobb is the man. This is a terrific film, and ahead of its time, but Brando's on screen presence, and Kazan's directing are certainly the high points of this classic film.
Rated 17 Aug 2007
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
44th
The behaviour of director Kazan during the McCarthy period tends to put into even starker relief the questionable politics of this movie about union corruption. If the movie is intended as a defense of that behaviour, then in my view it fails. Although Brando's acting has been justly celebrated, the film is, in the end, a rather simplistic, melodramatic, and over-praised morality play.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 06 Jan 2007
4
70th
The historic significance of this film stands entirely on the shoulders of Brando's stellar performance, which, though perhaps not the greatest of all-time, is certainly in the conversation. There are some other fine performances as well, notably Lee J. Cobb (who kicks ass in everything), but nothing else about this movie really screams greatness. It's still very good, though.
Rated 06 Jan 2007
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 26 Dec 2008
9
90th
(second viewing) Some say Brando makes this film; It's a noteworthy and amazing performance, but the film is an ambitious piece of work, referenced of course in Scorsese's Raging Bull (which was superiour to this one). I can see the resemblance, two fighters working their way up in life, fighting obstructions and dishonesty they meet along the way. I know the following has been hailed by many, but the scene in the back of the car, is honestly one of the best 3 minutes in cinematic history.
Rated 26 Dec 2008
doctor7doctor7
Rated 03 Oct 2008
90
91st
Superb film with an absolutely incredible performance by Brando that secures him as one of the best actors ever on screen. The film becomes even more powerful when you know about Kazan's involvement with the House of Un-American Activities Committee as it undoubtedly reflects how he feels about it.
Rated 03 Oct 2008
ihatemoviesIHateMovies
Rated 31 May 2008
85
60th
Brando's the one who gets all the hype, and his performance is absolutely stellar, but I also really enjoyed Cobb and Steiger in their brief time on screen. Malden is great, and the script is fantastic all-around. The historical context may somewhat taint the experience, but the biggest flaw is undoubtedly in the score, which is overdone and at points absolutely terrible. There are crucial scenes between Brando and Saint where there's loud music playing for no reason. What's the big idea?
Rated 31 May 2008
nobambanobamba
Rated 11 May 2019
95
97th
Elia Kazan doesn't waste any scenes here and I appreciate that. Romance was a bit of a stretch. Great social commentary and setting at the docks with the union and the oppressed workers. Plot points/twists were predictable but probably because other films have copied this. Fav scenes: priest's passionate appeal and the brother's coded plea to Marlon Brando.
Rated 11 May 2019
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 20 Jul 2011
90
92nd
Holy moly the music in this almost ruins certain scenes, turn that down Buster Brown, YEESH
Rated 20 Jul 2011
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 07 Jul 2010
85
92nd
The story may seem simple, but the way it is acted and shot lifts it to great heights. So many wonderful individual moments, and the atmosphere throughout is amazing. Brando was impressive, but Cobb and Malden add just as much to the film. The soundtrack was the weakest element, it distracts more than it helps build a mood. Apart from that, On The Waterfront is definitely more than the sum of its parts.
Rated 07 Jul 2010
karlsonkarlson
Rated 16 Sep 2023
60
23rd
Open and creative style of telling the story. However the result doesn't live up to its ambitions: there are too many holes and most characters get stuck at comic book level - his brother Jimmy being the best example of this. Brando alternates great moments with trendy mannerisms. The music is wrong in a weird way, like it's been written by a calculator. Lee J Cobb entertained me the best, a matter of taste i guess. He now tops my Favorite Shouter List together with Pacino and Hopkins.
Rated 16 Sep 2023
twincinematwincinema
Rated 21 Sep 2019
90
92nd
It's funny to compare a motivated Brando to his later work.
Rated 21 Sep 2019
obdurateObdurate
Rated 01 Nov 2016
85
81st
Definitely really enjoyed it, loved seeing Brando (who rightfully gets a lot of praise), Saint and Cobb especially. There are some great moments like in the back of the cab, and the direction is good. However, I don't know; I guess it just doesn't have the extra oomph to put it up to a 90 for me. Maybe it's because there are some odd moments, like when loud sounds/music plays over important scenes where it is not needed, and detracts from it. Still a classic and deserving of the status.
Rated 01 Nov 2016
three-questions_ii???
Rated 21 Oct 2014
53
31st
What's with Brando's eyebrows? MAJOR divo...
Rated 21 Oct 2014
yiannosYiannos
Rated 16 Jul 2014
83
95th
The score blows, and there are several dated elements, but it's really all about Brando and the gritty poetic realism influenced by the Italian film makers of the 1950's.
Rated 16 Jul 2014
bojanglesBojangles
Rated 01 Jun 2014
70
78th
Crazy how the first two acts are a tender romance/character study with solid religous/philosophical themes; and then it turns into some unrealistic, melodramatic, political horseshit. The music, the use of it, and the volume of it are all horrific. My score is only this high b/c thru the first two acts, I thought this might be one of my new favorite movies. Real characters, great writing, the best acting. Brando makes everyone around him better, and changed acting forever and for the better.
Rated 01 Jun 2014
ocelotOcelot
Rated 20 Feb 2014
30
22nd
Brando is great, and most of the other actors hold their own, but Kazan's direction is like that of a play: servicable, but fairly bland. The biggest problem by a fair margin, though, is the score, which is one of the most obnoxious and overblown pieces of crap I've ever heard. You've got a movie in which the performances are the main draw, and yet there are lines of dialogue that simply cannot be heard over the loudest fucking horns in the world. A shame.
Rated 20 Feb 2014
afx237viafx237vi
Rated 01 Dec 2013
80
84th
Sentimental and moralistic, for sure, but thematic simplicity becomes less of a problem when the acting performances are so assured and so full of empathy. It's not just Brando, either. Everyone is on top of their game here, but I was particularly impressed by Saint and Steiger. As good as the famous taxi scene is, my favourite moment was Brando's dockside confession being drowned out by the wall of industrial noise; it felt strikingly modern.
Rated 01 Dec 2013
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 20 Dec 2012
3
24th
On the Waterfront? More like On the Roof, amirite?
Rated 20 Dec 2012
indyatmnINDYATMN
Rated 02 Sep 2012
84
72nd
Like a lot of pre-70's films there r a few moments of hokeyness (Bernstein's score may wake the neighbors & not just feminists should find Eva Marie Saint's turnaround ridiculous), but like a lot of pre-70's film this is still better than a lot of the market-tested junk we have now. Brando certainly earns his kudos here, pulling off a bone-deep, world-weary resignation while never seeming uncharismatic& the film's portrayal of the world of dock workers & corrupt union bosses is gritty & lived-in
Rated 02 Sep 2012
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 21 Feb 2012
78
57th
A supposedly classic film but to me it seemed no more than an above average drama in which most elements were ok to decent, without ever coming close to spectacular. What it lacked on the romance front it made up for in the tension permeating Terry's situation in the final act. Acting was ok, Brando good, supporting characters a bit ropey. Looked and sounded average. As a whole, not up to the standard of contemporaries such as Hitchcock, Welles, or Wilder.
Rated 21 Feb 2012
rufamRufam
Rated 06 Jun 2011
60
29th
Average direction, ho-hum writing and some very impressive performances add up to a decent but unspectacular film. "On the Waterfront" is mostly dull and simplistic -an uninteresting and manipulative morality play. What elevates it is the acting. Brando is a remarkable protagonist, while Cobb and Steiger are strong as well. Thanks to their contributions, this is watchable and occasionally even powerful. Unfortunately, the great parts are few and far between -the final outcome is sharply uneven.
Rated 06 Jun 2011
robosharkRoboShark
Rated 25 May 2011
90
78th
Great filmmaking and performances are somewhat marred by a disgusting message.
Rated 25 May 2011
nobletNoblet
Rated 31 Oct 2010
78
65th
Very good, though not all that great outside of the acting. Brando really knocks it out of the park, and the other actors all do fine jobs themselves. Lee J. Cobb gets special mention for being great in this and 12 Angry Men. The thing I disliked most about this movie was the awful, overbearing score
Rated 31 Oct 2010
naikounaikou
Rated 27 Sep 2010
30
12th
Dull. The only good performance is Brando - everyone else sounds like they're rushing through their lines. The priest is especially bad. Features a cartoonish villain, who gets an ending straight out of a Disney movie. TERRIBLE soundtrack, maybe the worst I have ever heard. It may be a historically significant film, but that doesn't make it a good film, especially judged by today's standards.
Rated 27 Sep 2010
teftef
Rated 08 Mar 2010
75
35th
I thought it was rather boring. Brando looks like he has too much make-up on. The girl loves him from a few chance encounters? A man who murders people for less does not think to murder both brothers to prevent testimony? I just didn't feel involved. The acting is good, but the story is just a bland morality play.
Rated 08 Mar 2010
davidkahaneDavidKahane
Rated 03 Dec 2009
93
87th
It's just the film that changed the very nature of acting, that's all. Brando's work is indeed something to marvel at: grounded, earthy, genuine and also boldly alive, suggesting complicated inner working with every step he takes, every sideways glance. His inventiveness wears off as the whole cast is in line with his excellence. There are some bumps in the narrative such as reactions to Malloy's raised voice against corruption that don't completely ring true. It's still gripping throughout.
Rated 03 Dec 2009
jackdurdenJackDurden
Rated 25 Apr 2009
10
98th
I think Marlon Brando's best performance was in this, what an absolutely amazing and classic film. The development of Brando's character and the directing from Elia Kazan are the best aspects. It's certainly something I could watch over and over again without getting tired of.
Rated 25 Apr 2009
owen1218owen1218
Rated 07 Oct 2007
60
28th
Great acting from Brando, and the cinematography is pretty good. After that I don't have a whole lot to say that's positive about this one. Full of cheesy good-vs-evil storytelling, and the soundtrack hurts the film as much as people say.
Rated 07 Oct 2007
brrrpbrrrp
Rated 19 Feb 2024
75
76th
Cinematography, Brando's performance and yada yada yada. This is a film where Kazan really shows us how intimate his awareness of the construction of cinematic sequences can be, leading to some astonishing moments. It's a riveting film.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
rexperadoRexperado
Rated 25 Sep 2023
94
98th
The ultimate working class hero.
Rated 25 Sep 2023
robbytrobbyt
Rated 01 Aug 2023
75
26th
I don't understand why this is on so many lists. I didn't find it to be that great.
Rated 01 Aug 2023
bownBown
Rated 27 Oct 2022
73
28th
Most of the movie is no great shakes, but Brando! Brando!!!!! An utterly amazing performance that changed the way people acted in front of cameras forever and that’s literally not even an exaggeration. Eva Marie Saint was great too and it’s well-shot and generally a high level of quality just kinda dated
Rated 27 Oct 2022
zweirdzweird
Rated 21 Feb 2022
60
28th
Overwrought and over the top at every opportunity
Rated 21 Feb 2022
darrenDarren
Rated 09 Feb 2022
50
21st
I can see why this is held in such esteem by directors and actors as it’s a good example of getting performance out of an actor and what an actor can do when they truly embrace a role. That said not my kind of movie even getting away from the abhorrent politics of that rat Kazan
Rated 09 Feb 2022
seethruskinSeethruskin
Rated 04 Feb 2022
2
10th
Kazan being able to make this movie while he fucked over his so called friends and colleagues is sickening.
Rated 04 Feb 2022
hssnozdagghssnozdagg
Rated 21 May 2021
70
47th
I got the reason why this piece has been called a classic. That is all I need to say.
Rated 21 May 2021
filliganFilligan
Rated 14 Apr 2021
88
72nd
Though its age has begun to show around the edges, it's clear even watching this near seventy years later how this was a turning point in American cinema. From Brando's non-standard, emotional performance to the lack of studio backdrops in favor of real locations to the experimental attention to cinematography. This was American cinema beginning to influence the silver age artists of the 1970s.
Rated 14 Apr 2021
nacho353Nacho353
Rated 03 Jun 2020
40
39th
I personally find the music interesting
Rated 03 Jun 2020
psimpsim
Rated 14 Apr 2020
79
69th
A pretty straightforward story about the conflict between the mob and the working class that is elevated by great performances and iconic scenes. I found it hard to root for dumb Terry, but Brando sure plays him really well.
Rated 14 Apr 2020
solomonburrrSolomonBurrr
Rated 31 Mar 2020
82
81st
82.3
Rated 31 Mar 2020
amerigoamerigo
Rated 22 Mar 2020
76
41st
Decent melodrama, occasionally elevated by capable performances.
Rated 22 Mar 2020
lance20000lance20000
Rated 04 Mar 2020
90
79th
On the Waterfront takes itself a lot more serious than I thought a movie about a ex-boxer working for the mob would be. There isn't much in the way fights or shootouts until the end. Not to say that it was bad. It is far more a drama than anything else. It just happens to be made in the noir era.
Rated 04 Mar 2020
montycircusMontyCircus
Rated 25 Feb 2020
60
69th
The ending always reminded me of "Spartacus". Just realized this predated "Spartacus" by 6 years...
Rated 25 Feb 2020
lintonmyroxylintonmyroxy
Rated 25 Jan 2020
87
71st
What are you a wiseguy?
Rated 25 Jan 2020
mrarnmrarn
Rated 23 Jan 2020
80
97th
Above-average drama with excellent performances by all the actors, it well worth watching.
Rated 23 Jan 2020
jpotiijpotII
Rated 07 Dec 2019
59
49th
Leão
Rated 07 Dec 2019
bartbaardBartbaard
Rated 04 Dec 2019
68
62nd
Some good acting. Some powerful scenes. Overall very enjoyable.
Rated 04 Dec 2019
ciaphassCiaphass
Rated 26 Feb 2019
100
97th
Masterpiece (Underated performance from Rod Steiger, Lee Cobb and Brando) I could have been a contender scene is one of the most emotional in cinematic history as well as the final scene, moves at a very nice pace.
Rated 26 Feb 2019
stanew2Stanew2
Rated 09 Sep 2018
90
82nd
8 for Editing 9 for Directing 10 for Actor Performance 8 for Music 8 for Cinematography 10 for Costume Design 19 for Script :) 18 for Me :)
Rated 09 Sep 2018
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 10 Jun 2018
70
54th
Terry: "Hey, you wanna hear my philosophy of life? Do it to him before he does it to you."
Rated 10 Jun 2018
rottentRottenT
Rated 19 Mar 2018
98
96th
With his electrifying performance in Elia Kazan's thought-provoking, expertly constructed melodrama, Marlon Brando redefined the possibilities of acting for film and helped permanently alter the cinematic landscape.
Rated 19 Mar 2018
mist600Mist600
Rated 24 Jul 2017
83
59th
Scored on years' old memories Need see afain to revise for sure
Rated 24 Jul 2017
adamj1982adamj1982
Rated 02 Apr 2017
70
58th
Judging purely on my opinion. An enjoyable movie but not one I would revisit
Rated 02 Apr 2017
shalevshalev
Rated 22 Dec 2016
86
86th
More movies should show the impacts of the mafia and gangster culture on the common folk, like this one, conveying real dilemmas of everyday life. To me, that's more real and relevant than the lives of some ultra-violent Mafia kingpins.
Rated 22 Dec 2016
ottott
Rated 06 Oct 2016
40
20th
This story was not very convincing.
Rated 06 Oct 2016
cstewart64CStewart64
Rated 26 Apr 2016
8
23rd
W3E0P1S1V0M1A1R1. I just can't get behind old movies--as much as I'd like to fashion myself a true movie connoisseur--unless the story carries it. 12 Angry Men would be great as a play, a B&W film, or a cartoon. This one, not so much, though it was worth watching academically.
Rated 26 Apr 2016
francogonzoFrancoGonzo
Rated 27 Feb 2016
15
82nd
Star Rating: ★★★★
Rated 27 Feb 2016
lumpnboylumpnboy
Rated 06 Feb 2016
30
16th
Ah, Elia Kazan. I really hate that fucking guy. So avoided seeing this for many years. It isn't pro-union bias either; I like Schrader's BLUE COLLAR, and an ultraleft critique of unionism. But not Kazan's utter lack of integrity and reactionary propaganda. For context and discussion see Mile Klindo's 'The Hollywood Left and McCarthyism: the political and aesthetic legacy of the Red Scare', his 2011 Macquarie University PhD dissertation. Or see THE FRONT (1976). All thirty points are for Brando.
Rated 06 Feb 2016
groovysoulsGroovy_Souls
Rated 21 Jan 2016
90
90th
It's hard to nitpick parts of this film, because the whole of it is so amazing. If I had to say something negative, the story started out a bit slow, but that was quickly remedied. On the Waterfront is shot very well, with incredibly long and tricky shots sandwhiched in. Marlon Brando is Marlon Brando. Amazing. And the rest of the cast consists of few slackers at all. Another absolute classic.
Rated 21 Jan 2016
susie_mauvesusie-mauve
Rated 13 Jan 2016
83
58th
Iconic stuff. It was only Brando's sixth film, but his performance is absolutely outstanding. Pretty neat cinematography, I loved the framing of the faces whenever there was a powerful scene. The female character is pretty feeble, that's regrettable. The priest's character is very neatly drawn.
Rated 13 Jan 2016
prowlerprowler
Rated 12 Jan 2016
67
65th
textbook definition of an _iconic_ performance right here, supported by a solid ensemble cast. Kazan's direction is almost of the same caliber. the bad parts: Lenny B's post-wagnerian schmalzy soundtrack, and the reduction of the girl to a plot device. a good movie, but could've been so much more. Kazan & Schulberg did better with A Face in the Crowd.
Rated 12 Jan 2016
westknifewestknife
Rated 03 Aug 2015
98
98th
You'd have to be an incredible cynic not to be swept away by this wonderful film. It's engaging and passionate on a gut level, but also brilliant on a technical level. The steam whistle scene when Terry confesses the truth to Edie is genius.
Rated 03 Aug 2015
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 22 May 2015
2
11th
in which elia kazan justifies his actions against former leftist activists on behalf of the american government. there is no better way to say "unions need to be regulated" than a dimestore romance! fuck kazan.
Rated 22 May 2015
oskarhuoskarhu
Rated 13 May 2015
78
63rd
It's a good story well directed and with good acting. Didn't find it particularly interesting. The cat was nice.
Rated 13 May 2015
gnalkhereGnalkhere
Rated 15 Mar 2015
90
91st
US Neorealism. Everyone shines in their own way, the score is mostly alright until the end when it gets good, but it's the nuance of the film that stands out. IF you ignore the fact that this is a celebration of the informer after Kazan sold all of his former communist companions to McCarthy when he could've worked in theatre for a bit before he made this movie, this is a simple story of standing up to a bully, but it's a little hard to ignore, to be honest.
Rated 15 Mar 2015
mike365365mike365365
Rated 09 Feb 2015
100
99th
When I finally saw this movie, one line made me realize how everyone who does an impression of Brando saying "I coulda BEEN somebody" gets it so wrong. It's "I coulda been SOMEBODY"
Rated 09 Feb 2015
cowmanCowman
Rated 16 Dec 2014
85
96th
Way ahead of its time, a lot closer to contemporary cinema than other films from the '50s. This movie clearly serves as a blueprint for almost all maffia and gangster movies of the last 5 decades.
Rated 16 Dec 2014
cagedwisdomcagedwisdom
Rated 02 Oct 2014
100
90th
Lee J. Cobb is an absolute master.
Rated 02 Oct 2014
bronesbyBronesby
Rated 27 Aug 2014
78
41st
excellent Brando, memorable framing
Rated 27 Aug 2014
qwershadyqwershady
Rated 29 Jun 2014
82
93rd
first of his name.. elias kazancıoğlu..
Rated 29 Jun 2014
ella_mayElla May
Rated 08 Jun 2014
55
11th
No dilemma or gray areas here - the black is too black and white too white. The last scene didn't even make sense: the crime boss goes from ordering the workers to work, to being angry that they start working. Why exactly does Marlon B's character have to walk into the warehouse at the end, after being beaten up?--hasn't he done enough? And why did the other workers wait until he gets beaten to a pulp to finally turn against the crime boss? Lots of incredulous wtf moments for me in this movie.
Rated 08 Jun 2014
mrcarmadyMrCarmady
Rated 30 Mar 2014
44
6th
brando just mumbles, the story is too righteous, saint is bland as fuck. steiger is the redeeming factor here, just about
Rated 30 Mar 2014
talonmalontalonmalon
Rated 27 Feb 2014
94
89th
One of Marlon Brando's earlier movies. And, rightfully so, this is considered one of his best roles, as well as one of his better movies in general. On the Waterfront is a great crime drama with strong writing and great performances.
Rated 27 Feb 2014
mb9607mb9607
Rated 09 Jan 2014
80
0th
2x
Rated 09 Jan 2014
paraguay1001Paraguay1001
Rated 17 Sep 2013
84
47th
Marvelous central performance. Steiger also brilliant. Movie overall shows it's age a little but worth seeing for those great performances.
Rated 17 Sep 2013
xalechimXalechim
Rated 16 Aug 2013
9
94th
Enjoyment: 8/10, Plot: 9/10 Themes: 8/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Direction: 8/10 Acting: 9/10 Writing: 8/10 Score: 8/10 Editing: 8/10 Design: 9/10
Rated 16 Aug 2013
aflickeringAFlickering
Rated 01 Aug 2013
2
17th
brando's brilliance aside, it ultimately serves as little more than a failed vehicle for the expulsion of kazan's own demons - the story strays into the realms of the ridiculous, of imagined moral high grounds, supervillains and utopic conveniences, just to help him sleep at night.
Rated 01 Aug 2013
moviefan1997Moviefan1997
Rated 09 Jun 2013
98
88th
This is Marlon Brando at his very best- right next to The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire. Rarely have I seen a film this powerful and inspirational. Containing incredible performances, a fantastic story, brilliant writing and directing makes On The Waterfront a movie that will last the ages! Do yourselves a favor and view this film. Anyone who feels let down in life will get hope!
Rated 09 Jun 2013
rnestrnest
Rated 29 May 2013
8
93rd
marlon brando!
Rated 29 May 2013
xacviantxacviant
Rated 22 May 2013
93
97th
What first struck me about ON THE WATERFRONT was how raw and unglamorous it was--in the mid-50s, it must've been really jolting. And like the best protest films, it really gets you angry about the exploitation of the dockworkers and the pact of silence taken by the exploited. Elia Kazan is at his vivid best as a director; the entiree cast (Marlon Brando, Lee J. Cobb, Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, Rod Steiger) is superb. A touch preachy here and there, but forgivable in light of its many virtues.
Rated 22 May 2013
nbd_rabNBD Rab
Rated 23 Feb 2013
85
81st
There are so many crime dramas out there, yet so few truly great ones focus on those living under the heel of organized crime. Somewhat moralistic (it IS the 50's, after all), but an inspiring story about standing up against exploitation.
Rated 23 Feb 2013
graveyardtangraveyardtan
Rated 11 Feb 2013
90
84th
Elia Kazan made two thirds of a dark masterpiece, culminating with Terry's stand against Friendly's thugs in the bar, but the final act of On the Waterfront feels like its from some other film entirely, and the uplifting finale, with its oppressive brass score, unearned. Shame, since the set-up is one-of-a-kind.
Rated 11 Feb 2013
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 27 Jan 2013
74
47th
Brando is undeniably phenomenal in one of his most iconic performances, and a terrific supporting cast, headed by Malden's fire-and-brimestone preacher and weaselly Cobb, are a joy to watch. However, the film is a mishmash of competing styles and tone, with Brando's very 'modern' Method take on his character clashing with Malden's more traditionally intense take on his character. Bernstein's brassy, WEST SIDE STORY-ish score also seems tonally wrong for the otherwise spare and intense drama.
Rated 27 Jan 2013
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 09 Jan 2013
77
82nd
Brando unsurprisingly gives a perfect performance. The romance between Brando and Saint is very well done, especially for the studio era. Fully deserving of its status as a classic.
Rated 09 Jan 2013
comepeliculacomepelicula
Rated 19 Nov 2012
90
96th
What a great movie with very engaging characters whose are real and struggling in every moment of the movie. This story about working people fighting against the corruption of their own with family mix in feels so real. And what can I say about Marlon?, he is great, just great. Elia shows here what a fantastic director he is and how overlooked he by cinema's mainstream.
Rated 19 Nov 2012
buddymclbuddymcl
Rated 07 Sep 2012
75
17th
sorry boys - I found this badly dated
Rated 07 Sep 2012
lexlex
Rated 30 Jul 2012
95
91st
The film's influence on Hollywood storytelling is staggering (especially for female characters), and I mean that in the best way possible. Top it off with a great story and excellent Brando acting and you got a winner that should not be forgotten. As far as dramatic romances go, this blows Casablanca out of the water for me.
Rated 30 Jul 2012
3drevelation3dRevelation
Rated 29 Jul 2012
92
98th
This film was pretty damn good. I can't believe I haven't seen it before. Brando is very good, but Cobb, Malden, Saint, and Steiger all hold their own. The story is very good and so is Kazan's direction. An American classic.
Rated 29 Jul 2012
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 12 Jul 2012
93
91st
A powerful film, masterfully directed, and filled with powerful performances. Steiger and Cobb may strut too much, but Saint, Balsam and Malden are fine. Amd Brando, of course, is magnificent.
Rated 12 Jul 2012
damildamil
Rated 23 Jun 2012
80
90th
This is another great collaboration between Elia Kazan and Marlon Brando. It has a really good story and mood to it, which feels like inspiration for many gangster films and TV shows, like The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire. Brando gave a brilliant performance, up there with his best. Very much recommended.
Rated 23 Jun 2012
caimancaiman
Rated 08 May 2012
85
79th
The overbearing music aside, this is a really good movie. Brando's one of those actors who earned every single bit of his iconic status. He's absolutely perfect in this role. Everyone's perfect here. In fact this is probably one of the best-acted movies I've ever seen. The naturalness of the performances is something we don't see enough of in the 50s. As for the story, it's nothing groundbreaking but it's good enough to be enveloping throughout. But it's the acting that really pulls me in.
Rated 08 May 2012
skubasskubas
Rated 16 Apr 2012
0
4th
old
Rated 16 Apr 2012
ratedarghratedargh
Rated 02 Apr 2012
80
65th
Solid tale of redemption and doing what's right in spite of what may be smart (in terms of survival). The acting is stellar all around but the iconic "contender" speech seems tacked on like it's reaching for extra prestige. It's the least subtle part of the movie...except for the score. Now I didn't find the score as distracting as some but it doesn't do the movie many favours. Malden's speech in the docks about right and wrong was one of the highlights.
Rated 02 Apr 2012
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 02 Apr 2012
60
54th
Apart from Brando's acting, there isn't much else to the film.
Rated 02 Apr 2012
terrymacterrymac
Rated 25 Mar 2012
88
96th
Excellent performances from the cast make this worth watching, and the story is compelling. Framed in the context of the director's own experiences, the film takes on some additional meaning. If I was going to nitpick, I thought the score was a bit grating. Otherwise, this is very much worth watching.
Rated 25 Mar 2012
hajikarimihajikarimi
Rated 01 Feb 2012
90
59th
hardly touch my expectations!
Rated 01 Feb 2012
fuzzleshnopsfuzzleshnops
Rated 31 Dec 2011
98
99th
Completely blown away. And damn, does Marlon Brando look good.
Rated 31 Dec 2011
troothTrooth
Rated 29 Dec 2011
86
94th
This is a great movie to watch if you've never seen a good dramatic organized crime movie. Before the more modern movies like The Godfather or Goodfellas, I'd watch this one. It's a good place to get started in the genre, but even if you have already seen those newer movies, you can see a bit of their roots in this one. It's been very influential. And anyway, it has a fantastic story.
Rated 29 Dec 2011

Collections

Loading ...

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...

Trailer

Loading ...