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Double Indemnity
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Double Indemnity

1944
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 47m
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Avg Percentile 77.23% from 4231 total ratings

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(4231)
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Rated 09 Feb 2007
6
99th
As dark and brutal as it got back in the 40s, and yet Wilder isn't afraid to stray into black comedy. A provocative and clever script, full of brilliant metaphors and subversion. Fred MacMurray makes a great turn, guiding the film in witty flashback narration. Barbara Stanwyck plays the nastiest femme fatale you've ever seen, and Eddie Robinson is an amusing detective-type. The photography is outstanding, as the absence of light overbears its presence. Pure cinema, and the definitive film noir.
Rated 17 Jan 2007
98
99th
The definitive noir, a brilliantly crafted bit of murder, deceit and paranoia. The superb screenplay by Chandler and Wilder is full of quotable little gems, with riveting performances by MacMurray, Stanwyck and Robinson. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rated 14 Apr 2008
92
95th
Bloody great noir with superb dialog and tremendously tense scenes. You can easily see where so many noir trademarks can be attributed to this film and rightly so. It has a femme fatale, protagonist narration and snappy dialog. Add to this a stellar cast and you've got a fantastic movie that has certainly withstood the test of time. Simply put you owe it to yourself to see this film.
Rated 05 Mar 2007
5
91st
One of the quintessential hallmarks of the noir style; it's packed from wall-to-wall with noir trademarks. And it's all done excellently. MacMurray's voice-over narration practically makes this for me, if not for the fact that everything else about the film is fantastic as well. Stanwyck is especially memorable as the baddest femme fatale in noir. I waited years to see this because it wasn't on DVD, and it lived up to every expectation I had.
Rated 20 Oct 2010
97
99th
This has everything you could ask for in a hardboiled story: snappy dialogue, a cunning femme fatale, lots of suspense and the characteristic noir mood of doom, enforced by the superb writing of the narration. In fact, the entire script is perfect; perhaps one of the best ever? Stanwyck is terrific but Robinson steals the film. Arguably Wilder's best film and probably *the* quintessential film noir.
Rated 22 Aug 2020
80
77th
If someone talked like a Billy Wikder character in real life they’d be the biggest asshole in the world, but in the movies they’re so good.
Rated 12 Apr 2009
93
94th
Double Indemnity contains one of the most cleverly crafted, and at the same time, thrilling stories ever. There is never one emotion you feel throughout this film, you weren't just anxious, or just sad, or just overcome with excitement, you feel all of those things, and more. The pacing, and how and when everything unfolds, is just perfectly executed, there isn't really a bad thing I can say about this film.
Rated 21 Feb 2010
10
97th
(2nd viewing) As much as I adore Wilder's "Sunset Blvd.", and how he effortlessly marries filmmaking and story, "Double Indemnity" is his absolute masterpiece. Melodious narration, charismatic characters, snappy dialogues and a compelling plot, just to list some of the film's finest attributes. I used to think MacMurray was miscast as the film's protagonist but I wholeheartedly backtrack on that statement. Films noir don't get any better than this. Highly recommended !!!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
8
93rd
Probably the all-time greatest non-detective noir. The dialogue nailed all the rhythms and witticisms of noir that have been so imitated they have since become cliché, the two leads are electric, the dark, contrast-filled visual style is flawless, the ending is perfect, and it's dark and brutal down to the bone.
Rated 19 Jan 2009
5
96th
I'll prematurely (but confidently) call Double Indemnity the definitive film-noir. Billy Wilder once said that the key to good filmmaking is to "grab 'em by the throat and never let 'em go." This is Wilder practicing what he preaches.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
96
95th
Double Indemnity is a perfect example of how a film noir movie should be. It takes every element to achieve excellence and mixes it exactly how you'd want it to be. The two leads, MacMurray and Stanwyck put on excellent performances that are gripping and often times very intense. The story is brilliant and creative in a way that most movies don't even dream of.
Rated 26 Oct 2019
85
89th
Did you ever think, that like maybe, the mysterious unseen little man that lives inside Edward G. Robinson's chest, causing all his digestive issues and helping him solve insurance claims is actually related to the little man that mysteriously lived inside Marshall Bell's chest and secretly was the mutant leader of a Martian resistance movement? Yeah...me neither..But...a movie where a man has a tiny 'Sherlock Holmes' like indigestion imp help him solve insurance fraud would've been pretty cool.
Rated 28 Jan 2007
95
94th
My favorite film noir, unless you count Casablanca or Vertigo. At least it's my favorite film noir that's unquestionably a film noir from beginning to end.
Rated 13 Mar 2008
96
99th
Wilder is at the top of his game here. And so is MacMurray. And so is Stanwyck. And so is Robinson. In fact, this is a nearly perfect movie. The plot is air tight, the script is intelligent, intense and enveloping, and the direction and cinematography are quintessential film noir. There's just nothing to complain about here. What a great, enjoyable movie.
Rated 01 Aug 2008
91
82nd
God. Good god. If you haven't seen this, rent it right now!
Rated 21 Dec 2009
100
98th
Even though it isn't as groundbreaking as The Maltese Falcon, as fascinating as The Big Sleep or as classic in its noir form as Murder, My Sweet, Double Indemnity still ranks as my favourite of the original film noirs as well as master director Wilders best film. It holds everything associated with the genre delivered perfectly at just the right moments as well as incendiary acting from Stanwyck and Robinson. Quite simply, it's a must see for anyone in the least interested in cinema.
Rated 27 Sep 2012
97
98th
So utterly classic. Crisp black and white visuals, suits and dresses, a twisted murder plot and MacMurray's narration that drives the story along like an old-fashioned radio show. The script is flawless; 'How could I have known that murder can sometimes smell like honeysuckle?' The direction is also top-notch and though the audience pretty much knows what's going to happen, there is never a lack of tension or suspense.
Rated 29 Jan 2021
77
83rd
The book almost reads like a script but I love the little changes they made like Stanwyck hiding behind the door outside Macmurray's apartment while the film's real star, Edward G. Robinson is laying out his theory. There's just no such thing as a perfect murder unless you're really really into crows.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
99th
A great introduction to film noir. Compelling plot and characters.
Rated 28 Mar 2008
9
97th
An amazing film, though it has been copied so many times it almost seemed predictable. The dialogue is fantastic and kept me entertained throughout.
Rated 09 May 2008
98
99th
The only thing I don't love about this movie is Stanwyck's wig.
Rated 10 Apr 2009
100
93rd
Archetypal film noir of the 40s, brilliantly filmed and incisively written, perfectly capturing the decayed Los Angeles atmosphere of a Chandler novel but using a simpler story and more substantial characters. The hero/villain was almost a new concept.
Rated 26 Jan 2010
91
86th
One of the great film noir. The direction is rich in mood, the script is sharp and ironic, and the three principal performances nothing short of superb. It's no longer as subversive as it once was, and the tough dialogue has begun to sound a little corny, but it still packs a helluva punch.
Rated 10 Feb 2010
95
97th
One of the best noir films ever, great classic. A very intense and essential movie, with an engaging narrative, exploring very well the factor investigative and the psychological side of the characters.
Rated 25 Apr 2011
90
95th
Oh... so ... close... damn. Caught. Oh, and femme fatale excellence.
Rated 23 Apr 2012
87
94th
Watching this excellent classic is like being perforated by a tommygun that uses witty remarks for ammo. It's cool, dark and rock solid. Edward G. Robinson as Keyes stole the show for me.
Rated 15 May 2013
80
96th
Great dialogue and rapport between the two leads, while Edward G. Robinson shows why he's one of the best character actors in film. A well thought out story and a great caper set-up, results in this being one of the best film noirs of all time.
Rated 14 Jul 2019
83
82nd
A film noir that’ll ramp up your anxiety, despite the obvious fact that you’re anxious for the well-being of unsympathetic bastards. Isn’t that the wonder of movies!?
Rated 22 Mar 2007
87
83rd
Totally wicked, very classy stuff. Good dialogue and a nicely twisty story.
Rated 29 Mar 2007
100
95th
Absolutely awesome film noir. Especially great if you grew up watching Fred MacMurray in all those Disney films. Don't miss this one under any circumstances
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
97th
Great writing, great acting, great direction, great plot -- if only all movies could be like this!
Rated 17 Sep 2007
90
98th
Great film noir. Billy Wilder at his best.
Rated 24 Oct 2007
100
98th
It's perfect. The best dialogue in any film, ever. And Stanwyck is God.
Rated 03 Jun 2008
91
96th
Baby baby baby.
Rated 06 Oct 2008
98
99th
Phyllis: And you don't really care whether we see each other or not. Walter: [kissing her] Shut up, baby.
Rated 21 Nov 2009
85
96th
Edward G. Robinson creates one of the greatest supporting characters of all-time. Some of the best dialogue of all-time, too.
Rated 16 Dec 2009
95
99th
Shut up, baby! Not a superfluous word, moment or glance. By the end, not unusually for the genre, the plot kind of breaks down, but still such a well-shot, well-acted, ice cold, constantly witty, everything you'd come to expect noir.
Rated 02 Jun 2010
100
99th
A prime example of Wilder's way to entertain the viewer. Every conversation is compelling due to great acting and perky dialog. A perfect movie to get into film noir (I had problems enjoying it before) as it has all the trademarks you are looking for. The only problem is, it probably won't get any better than this.
Rated 31 May 2011
100
99th
Pretty much the film noir upon which all other film noirs are judged. It really has all the elements; the voiceover, the flawed male protagonist, the deadly femme fatale, the detached sense of loneliness and isolation, the sharp lighting. The plot is genius, the dialogue is incredible, but Stanwyck's black widow act is what really makes this so good. She just oozes sex appeal, so it's no wonder poor Neff (two F's, like in Philadelphia) falls under her spell. Great film, straight down the line.
Rated 27 Dec 2011
99
95th
The fast-paced dialogue and quick exchanges between Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck makes for hilariously entertaining scenes. "Double Indemnity" is most definitely the quintessential film noir and one of director Billy Wilder's best. It's an important film in terms of pop culture and also as a warning for men to stay away from sexy seductresses who wear anklets and bad wigs.
Rated 23 Apr 2012
84
86th
Thrilling, sharp dialogue and great acting. I loved it all, especially Keyes
Rated 24 Feb 2007
80
95th
Great film.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
88
94th
Fantastic noir. Part of me thinks it's even better than the Maltese Falcon.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
98
98th
Compelling film noir that has an unlikely male lead, both in real life and as a fictional character. One of the greats.
Rated 22 Aug 2007
95
99th
Great story, script and direction. The performances are all special, but Edward G Robinson is amazing.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
95
96th
One of the best one line jokes ever. The movie is fantastic too but in twenty years there is no way I will ever forget a line like that.
Rated 14 Mar 2009
100
98th
Gripping is the only adequate way I can describe Double Indemnity. It is filled with all of the best Noir elements and in my limited experience is the best I've seen. I look forward to devouring more Wilder classics.
Rated 23 Mar 2009
99
99th
My favorite noir. Great acting, dialogue, soundtrack.... In one word, spectacular.....
Rated 30 Mar 2009
91
91st
Excellent film noir from Wilder and company. The film moves at a quick pace, the twists are entirely believable, and the characters continue on the paths they take at the film's outset, leading to destruction or vindication. The dialogue crackles in true '40s noir-style, making this an enjoyable watch over and over again.
Rated 18 May 2009
9
92nd
God damn, this rules in every way.
Rated 16 Jul 2009
92
92nd
A beautiful noir classic.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
94
97th
Film noir at its best and one of my very favorite Billy Wilder films. Barbara Stanwyck is absoutlely sinister as Phyllis and Edward G. Robinson gives a memorable performance as well. This is definitely a must-see movie.
Rated 08 Aug 2009
97
97th
Both the girls in this are so hot. What is it about 40s chicks
Rated 16 Sep 2009
89
92nd
One of the best noir screenplays I've ever watched. The lead roles do a decent job and Wilder's directing is at the usual high level.
Rated 17 Nov 2009
90
95th
Being called THE film noir, Billy Wilder set a standard for a new genre which has been copied, portrayed, made fun of etc. so many times. The perfect start for this and the neo noir genre! Great classic!
Rated 25 Jan 2010
100
91st
Best script in the noir genre.
Rated 27 Jan 2010
95
97th
An absolute classic.
Rated 16 Mar 2010
85
86th
In some ways I prefer other films noir, but this definitely deserves to be considered a classic. I never really bought MacMurray as a murderer, but I would believe practically anything of Stanwyck.
Rated 17 Mar 2011
74
90th
The dialog is razor sharp and perfectly delivered, the femme fatale is beautiful and diabolical, the plot is twisted and tense, and the cinematography is as shady as the characters who inhabit it. This movie is what I think of when I hear the words film noir.
Rated 03 Apr 2011
95
96th
Pretty much perfect. Wilder nails that Expressionistic minimalist look that lower budgeted films stumble onto, and really makes it sing. It allows the film to feel grimy, rather than just looking it. Sunset Boulevard is the Wilder film David Lynch usually acknowledges, but I see just as much of Double Indemnity in his work. That's a very good thing.
Rated 17 Nov 2012
97
98th
Amazing, simply amazing. If you want a script that will blow you away with every twisted turn of phrase and delivered with a cold shot of bourbon and a twist of lemon, this is it. This is the one to watch. Pure noir. Pure cinema.
Rated 28 Nov 2012
93
98th
Noir always seems like such a great genre, but I often find them a little stilted and boring. Double Indemnity, however, fulfills the promise of the genre. A beautifully crafted mystery that unfolds in layers, great cinematography, and dark characters. One of those movies you're ready to re-watch the second the credits roll.
Rated 23 Feb 2013
95
96th
THE classic noir plot, a tale of forbidden romance with temptation and betrayal. Sharp dialogue and great acting. Robinson really steals the show here. This film is perhaps one of the best for introducing someone to the film noir genre.
Rated 30 May 2013
48
42nd
Edward G. Robinson is adorable here--a real Teddy G. Bearinson, baby.
Rated 13 Jan 2017
90
92nd
I started calling everyone baby after this film. No, it's not a laughing matter. Please send help.
Rated 10 Jun 2019
82
81st
One would think that any story that has an insurance/fraud scheme between two lovers at the heart of it needs one thing above all to succeed: A believable romance. That this film fails on that count but still remains thrilling from start to finish is testament to the near faultless script and stellar directing. Edward G Robinson is king here, despite his supporting actor role. A classic film noir with so many quotable lines.
Rated 02 Dec 2022
97
95th
Deserving of its reputation! Its inspiration on cinema was evident and its staple in cinema feels earned if this really was some sort of turning point for screenwriting and how Hollywood would do movies going forward. The three leads were all excellent and delivered surprisingly touching, memorable performances. I thought it was really well lit, directed and paced. None of the screen time felt wasted, nor the talent on and off camera. Essential noir, but also essential just viewing!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
98th
Quite possibly the best noir film. The use of shadow and light is stunning, and the snappy banter between Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck is just incredible.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
84th
Almost perfect
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
84th
Sure as ten dimes buys you a dollar.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
66th
A classic noir movie that is straight down the line good.
Rated 22 Oct 2007
100
92nd
A great classic film noir.
Rated 22 Dec 2008
90
92nd
I've always had a weakness for film noir, and Double Indemnity really takes all the aspects of the genre a step further. I wouldn't call it my favorite noir just yet, but it's definitely one piece of brilliance.
Rated 04 Mar 2009
35
19th
Like many well-liked Hollywood movies of its time, Double Indemnity is shrewd but remarkably stupid, features some sub-standard acting, and just had me restlessly bored throughout . It mortifies me that this movie receives so much more attention than the similarly themed and infinitely superior Visconti film Ossessione from the year before.
Rated 31 Mar 2009
80
88th
Some of the acting was a bit over the top but the tension in this noir was breathtaking even when you knew the ending all along.
Rated 06 Apr 2009
94
99th
Great Movie
Rated 09 Apr 2009
90
95th
wow wow wow!
Rated 23 May 2009
90
83rd
A cleverly written classic. Witty dialogue, great direction and perfect rhythm. Barbara Stanwyck is a classic as the alluring and diabolical Phyllis. Entertaining from start to finish.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
98
98th
Maybe the best film noir ever created.
Rated 29 Nov 2009
81
78th
Fairly well put together, but it's reputation far outweighs the actual quality of this movie--that's not to say it's bad in any way, just not good enough to really impress me. This did, however, have some of the best narration ever created.
Rated 11 Mar 2010
89
93rd
A-ha! Now I understand all the fuss about film-noir!
Rated 12 Apr 2010
98
99th
An intense thriller-noir built entirely upon a premise of temptation. A lot of the character motivations remain uncertain, and that keeps Billy Wilder and his film at point blank range throughout, constantly alluring and on edge. Suspense runs deeps here, and the actors never falter in keeping us engaged and wondering not only 'what,' but also 'why.' "Double Indemnity" is certainly a masterpiece in writing, pacing, acting, directing, editing, and suspense.
Rated 22 Sep 2010
95
98th
My favorite noir film. I've seen it a few times and enjoy something new every time.
Rated 14 Oct 2010
9
95th
The quintessential film noir. The voiceover, often poetic, often dismally blunt, always captivating, draws you into its bleak 'do or die, do and die' world, where morality or fortune means little more than being part of a trolley cart ride, with no stops, straight to the end of the line and into the cemetery. There is no alternative. Wilder shows us his vision of a paranoid world, where good nor evil, can save us from our fate, written on the cold stone that is reality.
Rated 24 May 2011
96
96th
Looks like everything Billy Wider touched was supposed to turn into gold. Every scene, dialogue or monologue or how every fragment unfolds makes you feel the tension in the air you breeze. The play of shadow and light adds some more extra mystery to the story. Double Indemnity is a perfect example of what a real thriller movie should be.
Rated 24 May 2011
96
99th
One of those tricky ones where you can't decide whether you preferred the book or the film.
Rated 28 Dec 2011
92
94th
A must-watch for everyone who wants to learn about the classics of American cinema. A well crafted story, brilliant use of lighting, camerawork, spacings, settings etc. A text-book film that has all the core elements of a good film noir. The character-identification was huge in this one, and on many occasions you will be waiting in suspense to see what happens next. A classing among classics.
Rated 08 Jan 2012
88
87th
Just an incredible film with a stellar cast and flawless performances all round, I urge you to watch it!
Rated 19 Jan 2012
85
90th
"I wonder if I know what you mean?" "I wonder if you wonder." They just don't make movies this damn cool anymore.
Rated 04 Feb 2012
95
76th
One of my all-time favorite films by one of the all-time greats: Billy Wilder. Double Indemnity is thee quintessential Film-Noir! Contains an amazing score by Polish composer Miklós Rózsa.
Rated 10 Mar 2012
88
95th
Probably the best noir film I've seen after Hitchcock's Vertigo. And I liked it better than Wilder's own Sunset Boulevard. The plot was pretty good and the performances were good. Personally, I felt Edward G. Robinson stole the show, but MacMurray and Stanwyck were both good. There are some definite good scenes here and the whole film worked really well.
Rated 09 Nov 2013
90
96th
Excellent.
Rated 05 Dec 2013
88
93rd
Brilliant and snappy dialogue combined with great acting and directing makes one of the best noir films I've seen so far.
Rated 31 Jan 2014
8
92nd
Classic film noir - great dialogue, a moody atmosphere and an engaging plot.
Rated 27 Apr 2014
92
90th
Still compelling and alluring today. Magnetic performances from all of the leads.
Rated 08 Jun 2014
88
86th
A strong crime movie from beginning to end, about pain and desperation and loneliness and Edward G. Robinson being a good actor.
Rated 20 Apr 2016
60
52nd
Unlike everyone in criticker I'm not in love with this movie. It is true that you feel comfortable watching them, you think they have good dialogues, scenarion etc. but they definetely don't enrich your life. You just watch them and like them. However, when the time goes on they lost their value and become less meaningful, you don't remember anything about them or that's just what I think.
Rated 19 Jun 2016
89
93rd
Intriguing, intense and keeps your attention to the very end. Has everything what one good old classic "film noir" should have.
Rated 08 Aug 2016
75
84th
Despite its reputation, Double Indemnity isn't the greatest noir ever made, nor is it Wilder's best, but it still packs a punch, and its hard chiaroscuro lighting was massively influential, for good reason: it's virtually a character. An insurance man--played memorably by MacMurray in an atypical role--conspires with the grandmother of femme fatales---portrayed marvelously by Stanwick--to murder her husband and collect the insurance. The plot is well structured and the dialogue is sharp.
Rated 13 Mar 2018
85
86th
The Noiriest Noir that I have ever seen. Avoids the labyrinthine conspiracies of other noirs to create a focused, yet deep narrative, and completely doubles-down on the chiarascuro lighting, Expressionist angles, and voice-over narration to create what could be rightfully be called the paradigmatic film noir.

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