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The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs

1991
Drama
Suspense/Thriller
1h 58m
Young FBI agent Clarice Starling is assigned to help find a missing woman to save her from a psychopathic serial killer who skins his victims. Clarice attempts to gain a better insight into the twisted mind of the killer by talking to another psychopath Hannibal Lecter, who used to be a respected psychiatrist. FBI agent Jack Crawford believes that Lecter who is also a very powerful and clever mind manipulator have the answers to their questions to help locate the killer. Clarice must first try and gain Lecter's confidence before he is to give away any information. (imdb)
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The Silence of the Lambs

1991
Drama
Suspense/Thriller
1h 58m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 73.98% from 21739 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

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Rated 05 Mar 2019
95
84th
This was very good. Seeing as it came out in the early 90s, I'm not surprised when people say it went on to define the genre. It's clearly a thriller, but the horror elements are pretty creepy as well. Jodie Foster is very good and Anthony Hopkins is practically flawless as Hannibal Lecter. The story keeps you on edge or guessing almost the entire way, which is impressive in my book. Loved Shores score. Solid work from all and definitely worth watching for the performances alone.
Rated 15 Sep 2008
91
97th
One of the best suspense thrillers of all time. Anthony Hopkins found the role he will always be connected with. But the movie is also important regarding the role of women in those kind of movies. Where they have been always the victim, they now, for the first time, get a leading role in the solving of that matter. A milestone in more than one aspect!
Rated 15 Dec 2019
92
84th
First things first: The much-celebrated Hannibal Lecter is in fact a preening, cartoonish supervillain whose theatrical mannerisms and nigh-superhuman abilities are rather silly and at odds with the film's more realistic elements. Despite this, the film is undeniably an effective and intense thriller whose influence is still being felt 30 years later. (But really... how'd he get the pen?)
Rated 19 Jul 2008
100
98th
The most eerie, amazing and incredible thiller ever made. Hopkins and Foster's performances are groundbreaking, a landmark in acting if you ask me. Hannibal Lecter is still today one of the most chilling and terrifying horror icons ever.
Rated 08 May 2009
95
96th
The performances from Hopkins and Foster are easily the core of what is the best horror film ever. You can't help but be riveted by both of them - I wanted to look away from Lecter, but something in Hopkins' performance forced me to look into his cold eyes, which made the creepy sensation of the movie even more effective. Foster as Starling is an amazing heroine as well, who conveys both strength and vulnerability in a sympathetic and extremely believable way.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
99th
Genius. Brilliantly adapted from the excellent Thomas Harris novel and turned into a film that swept the major Oscars. Iconic performance from Anthony Hopkins.
Rated 29 Sep 2008
55
6th
Hateful and destructive to the already splintered U.S. collective conscience. More vomit-spewing mediocrity masquerading as "horror". Lacking all the charm and finesse of Karloff's truly terrifying (to this day!) Frankenstein, Hopkins manages to pull the wool over every american's eyes by equating banal violence and gore w/ the true meaning of terror. If you want a truly frightening serial killer, stick to the lethally underrated Jason in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. -Armond White Jr.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
10
97th
Hopkins gives us the most terrifyingly eerie performance film has ever seen. This movie will send chills down your spine.
Rated 24 Jan 2012
90
97th
Hannibal Lecter will always be one of the most terrifying villains in movie history. Superb movie, story, direction, acting. As a genuine horror fan, this is one of the few movies that has inspired nightmares for me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
94th
Anthony Hopkins is creepy, and Ted Levine is terrifying. One of the best thrillers ever.
Rated 18 Jun 2009
85
81st
It's rare that a film scares me anymore, but this is genuinely chilling. The material certainly has a lot to do with that, but I think Demme's direction and the strong editing are important, as well. The performances are very good, but I actually prefer Foster's to Hopkins'. Throughout the film the onus was on her to both represent fear and build suspense and she did both well. Awesome stuff.
Rated 16 Mar 2008
100
98th
Hopkins rules, movie rules, book rules, book rules even more after the movie because you now have the Hopkins Hannibal Lecter.
Rated 28 Oct 2018
90
91st
Everything in this is done well and I can't find a glaring flaw. The exchanges between Foster and Hopskins are so obviously the star here that I actually wish we had gotten more of them, but that's more of just wanting a great thing rather than a criticism... though I think more would make a better film. It's eerie, intelligent, haunting, and the ending only pushes those feelings forward. Not an absolute fave of mine but still amazing, worthy of its status.
Rated 24 Dec 2013
20
2nd
Transphobic garbage
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
98th
The Hannibal Lechter character is easily one of the greatest of the 20th century, either in literature or film, and Anthony Hopkins just owns it. Not to mention that Buffalo Bill is oh so quotable.
Rated 11 Feb 2015
100
99th
One of the most perfect films ever made, regardless of genre. It won big at the Oscars and deserved every bit of it. Everybody talks about Anthony Hopkins' performance, and he is outstanding - but it's Jodie Foster who carries the movie, with a pitch-perfect performance as the perpetually-scared yet still always competent agent-in-training Clarice Starling. It's a beautifully nuanced performance, and she's so good that Hopkins' lack of screentime almost doesn't matter. Just an amazing thriller.
Rated 24 Feb 2007
92
95th
Arguably the best thriller/horror movie ever made and for good reason. Hopkins is enthralling and terrifying as the brilliant but psychotic Hannibal Lector. A must see.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
98th
One of the best thrillers ever made. This is so perfectly edited that there is a real flow to it (particularly in the last 15 minutes). It allows you to fully experience the savagery & the almost unbearable terror of these events without ever showing you anything truly gruesome - which makes it even more frightening. Jodie Foster & Anthony Hopkins give two of the greatest performances in 20th century cinema.
Rated 17 Jan 2010
80
84th
So the serial killer is a New England transvestite with a hammy vagina and keeps slaves in "their" well. The omnipotent brain is a well spoken theatric englishman and the protaganist is a quaint christ-like southern woman. How do you react to a film such as this? If you see it at 13 it leaves an entertaining indelible mark. As an adult it's ho hum but it's undeniably influential. It brought real sexual and psychological deviance to the American table and that is something to be celebrated.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
5
91st
16 minutes of screen time or not, Hopkins' turn as Hannibal the Cannibal might just be the most memorable film performance ever given. He manages to sculpt a character of chilling, impersonal intellect and macabre violence. He dominates the movie, but the rest of the film is extremely well-done, culminating in a tense underground pursuit that's one of the great horror sequences.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
100
99th
Not only the greatest horror movie ever made, but quite possibly on the greatest movies period. Anthony Hopkins plays one of the greatest characters ever portrayed in film and Jodie Foster is spectacular as well in this chilling film. To sum it up there's a reason this film swept the "Big Five" Oscars at the Academy Awards.
Rated 25 Jun 2008
100
97th
Recognized as one of the greatest films ever by many, this film was a huge success when it was released and has endured time and is still a huge success. Creating two legendary film characters, staying true to the novel which the film was based on and winning five Oscars is only a few of this films' achievements. It's an iconic thriller and has gone down as one of the best. If you have been living under a rock and haven't seen this film, I cannot recommend it more. See it, you won't regret it.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
95
96th
Such a disturbing movie with an outstanding performance from Hopkins.
Rated 03 Feb 2017
70
73rd
Interesting and gruesome antagonist. The atmosphere can be terrifying and sickening.
Rated 26 Mar 2014
90
93rd
The answer to the ultimate question of this film is; yes, I would fuck him. I'd fuck him so hard. Goodbye horses.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
85
81st
This film is proof of the importance of actors. With lesser leads this would be a 3rd rate movie, yet Foster, and especially Hopkins, do such wonderful jobs with their respective roles that the film is actually tense, captivating and at times terrifying.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
97th
This film is brilliantly acted by all, but Anthony Hopkins stands out anyway. His portrayal of Hannibal Lecter will chill any viewer anytime they see it. Silence of the Lambs is a truly amazing and terrifying psychological thriller that delves deeper into the mind of a deranged man that many people can handle. Awesome!
Rated 26 Mar 2011
1
0th
The Silence of the Lambs functions as one of those movies that I like everything about, except for the whole "watching it" part. I like the plot, I like the characters, but as a film and a thriller I found it rather pedestrian, so I appreciate its existence more than I would enjoy actually watching it again, if that makes any sense. Anyways, great plot, great acting, but it's otherwise a pretty typical watch without any standout direction. Score is not a grade.
Rated 24 Jan 2018
90
93rd
Suspense: The Movie
Rated 16 Apr 2009
85
94th
Summarize this film in one sentence and you get the following: an independent young woman trying to make a name for herself as an FBI agent tries to track down a serial killer. Sounds boring, right? Wrong. "The Silence of the Lambs" is able to take that tired trope and spin it around with relative ease. "Silence" swept the Big Five Oscars without much trouble and I think every one of those Oscars is justified. Most deserving Best Picture winner ever? Possibly.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
98
98th
The Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest representations of acting in a movie. Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter is possibly the most bone-chilling characters ever caught on screen. Everything about this movie is excellent. It's truly the greatest suspense movie ever made.
Rated 22 Apr 2009
50
97th
Everything about this movie is great. Anthony Hopkins is pitch perfect but his dominating performance is nothing without the outward strength (and inward quailing) of Jodie Foster. I can watch this movie again and again.
Rated 18 Dec 2009
91
86th
A fine creepy thriller, restrained in its handling of violence. Excellent performances by Hopkins and Foster.
Rated 08 Aug 2009
79
50th
Really creepy, and yeah, Hopkins rules.
Rated 27 Oct 2015
95
96th
One of the many films that probably doesn't need little ol' me writing about, mostly because everything has already been written. I loved the first scene of Clarice meeting Hannibal, if only because of his piercing stare compared to Clarice's uncomfortable shifting. I am the only person in the world who loved that scene!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
76
73rd
Good story, with an incredible character in Lecter.
Rated 08 Jan 2016
95
97th
Hannibal Lector is an amazing villain and his performance lifts this movie up to being considered an all time great.
Rated 21 Dec 2009
100
94th
Lots of grim, dark and creepy views of the serial killer Buffalo Bill's life and obsessions with his sexuality. The FBI agent Starling working the case seeks out a imprisoned serial killing cannibal named Hannibal Lector to help her find Buffalo Bill.
Rated 25 Jun 2010
96
98th
chills down my spine goodbye horses.......
Rated 21 Oct 2017
4
55th
rarely have i seen an actor/actress seem so tirelessly aware of the camera's probing as foster here. even when the feminism is at its most contrived or hamkins is cannibalising the scenery, demme's close-ups trust her to sell a range of feelings and power dynamics, and she nails it. various men are analogised with hannibal, yes, but crucially the audience are too; she's the caterpillar squirming under our gaze (like bill, 'not born but made') until finally she sheds, transforms and breaks free.
Rated 07 Mar 2010
95
96th
God dammit. Now I have to come up with something interesting to write about this best of all horror movies. I can see how people would use the term thriller, but it is truly horrifying. Hm.. that's not interesting... I could.. write that whilst a lot has been made of Hopkin's Lecter, the trick is actually in the dynamic between him and Clarice, as becomes obvious in the horrendous sequel... and... oh hell. We all know it's Lecter for the win.
Rated 18 Jul 2009
60
68th
never understood what's the big deal with this one
Rated 14 Aug 2007
8
93rd
Everyone knows that it's all about Anthony Hopkins here, and his 15 minutes of screen time are the best 15 minutes of the film by miles. But even outside of him it's a tense, dark, unsettling cop drama, and it's good stuffs.
Rated 04 Mar 2007
5
93rd
The textbook psychological profile of our infatuation with grotesqueries. Pulp, exploitation, shock, and repugnance: this is the obsession everpresent in American media and culture. What elevates The Silence of the Lambs above any middling horror movie, sensational television series, or first-person shooter is, quite simply, smart and consummate taste in all things: writing, performance, and direction.
Rated 20 Jan 2011
90
86th
A movie that entertains the brain as much as the eyes. "Silence of the Lambs" is a gripping psychological thriller with a lot of character development. Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lector have such a great Hero/Villain relationship, which really strengthens the film. And it's a good thing that the actors, Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, act them so well. Anthony Hopkins, in particular, is exceptional and is my pick for the best screen villain, even with less than 20 minutes of screen time.
Rated 22 May 2015
2
11th
i hate psycho-thriller serial killer tv shows, and this looks like it inspired every single one of them. the absurdly cartoonish villain has such a complete mastery of manipulating his subjects that he might as well be god. shitty television aesthetic, extremely unpleasant torture crap, and basically a complete waste of time. though i thought the transgender stuff was pretty hilarious, in an unbelievably stupid sort of way.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
84
97th
Dr. Hanibal Lecter is the most charming psycho i have seen on screen. This movie have it all - crafty directing, great script, memoriable acting. The scene when Lecter knocks the guards, listens to classical music and then looks up is unforgettable. My favorite serial killer movie.
Rated 13 Feb 2011
90
89th
"it rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again" vs "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti". Buffalo Bill vs. Hannibal the Cannibal. No matter how you look at it this movie is just awesome!
Rated 16 Jul 2018
85
84th
Reigns supreme. TSOTL is still the standard when it comes to great serial killer films. So much has been taken from this film at this point, and yet it still manages to be uniquely electric.
Rated 21 Feb 2011
90
98th
it watches the movie and acknowledges the superior craftsmanship and performances, or else it gets the hose again.
Rated 24 Dec 2010
95
98th
I think the series lost a lot when Jodie Foster didn't reprise her role after this, the twisted sort of "chemistry" between Clarice and Lecter goes a long way to make this film into the classic it is today. The film also touches on sexism with the Clarice/Crawford angle and how the guy generally treats her, it isn't immediately obvious but I think it's there. Great movie and definitely a personal favorite of mine. It's still uncomfortably awesome.
Rated 20 Jun 2009
85
95th
Anthony Hopkins is the creepiest villain of all time
Rated 13 Oct 2009
95
98th
Iconic, complex and so freaking scary. From the score to the visuals to the casting to pacing, this is a perfectly executed horror movie.
Rated 09 May 2009
90
75th
superb suspense, and excellent Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins
Rated 08 Oct 2007
100
99th
It is certainly one of the greatest classics of the police and suspense films of all time! The incredible interpretation of Hopkins as a cannibal, could not be more realistic.
Rated 05 Aug 2009
95
65th
Best character in suspense of the story Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Rated 02 Jul 2009
91
90th
Not a brilliant film, but it is well-made and Anthony Hopkins is simply astounding as Hannibal Lecter. He is what mostly makes the film creepy, and this adds a whole lot to the film.
Rated 17 Oct 2009
70
75th
A man who enjoys his offal.
Rated 21 Jun 2010
100
90th
after watching this, I never really looked at Anthony Hopkins the same way again. He did something to my brain. Just looking at that screen shot i can feel him mind-f*cking me again. Okay bye.
Rated 14 Oct 2009
80
81st
...with one of the greatest roles in cinema
Rated 29 Oct 2019
65
42nd
Leaves surprisingly little to the imagination, a plot spelled out to you like it's a textbook and a thoroughly adequate grimy atmosphere. Maybe my standards for mysteries are too high but I'd hope there would be a bit more than a couple of anagrams behind the schemes of the great and mighty Hannibal Lecter. Bit of a boomer-core "classic" movie.
Rated 30 Apr 2012
85
94th
The Silence of the Lambs is a good film elevated to great because of its actors. Hopkins and Foster carry this film, even though the rest of it is nothing to scoff at. This is wonderfully directed, has beautiful -- if a bit claustrophobic thanks to all of those close-ups -- cinematography, and has enough tension to keep you interested. Hannibal Lecter is the character that drew me in and held my attention, though, and it's Hopkins' performance which makes the character special.
Rated 15 Apr 2010
93
79th
Great movie
Rated 14 Apr 2009
95
94th
It's amazing how well it's lasted. The sequels only showcase it's brilliance.
Rated 21 Oct 2010
85
50th
I really liked this movie. Anthony Hopkins is a perfect Hannibal. The only problem with this movie in my opinion is Jody Foster who always seems to look and act exactly the same in every movie she's in.
Rated 04 Nov 2009
75
56th
Buena
Rated 14 Oct 2009
90
93rd
what more can be said other than fantastic?
Rated 26 Jul 2010
97
89th
Anthony Hopkins is just fantastic. Still love this film, even after seeing it tons of times.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
97th
A near masterpiece of horrific tension that will stay with you long after each viewing. Outstanding.
Rated 23 Aug 2015
85
90th
Hopkins definitely deserved all of those awards!
Rated 23 Nov 2006
88
98th
Stunningly haunting; an example of two of the best performances of the 90s.
Rated 08 Jun 2009
84
95th
Although I am also a fan of Mann's version, Hopkins is perhaps a bit more preferable than Cox as Hannibal Lector. As is with a lot of great films, the sequels ruin it's legacy. But who can forget the "chianti" line etc.
Rated 15 Apr 2013
94
98th
16 minutes of perfection by Sir Anthony Hopkins. Amazing stuff.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
95th
Electrifying crime thriller, Foster and Hopkins are both in fine form.
Rated 15 Sep 2010
93
92nd
Obviously good.
Rated 28 Jul 2009
75
61st
Completely overrated. Not all that chilling.
Rated 22 Dec 2013
94
85th
Director Jonathan Demme's smart, taut thriller teeters on the edge between psychological study and all-out horror, and benefits greatly from stellar performances by Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.
Rated 10 Jul 2008
100
99th
It's haunting, chilling and has one of the most memorable bad guys in movie history. Excellent performances by both Hopkins and Foster, it can make one grip the edges of his/her seat, rooting for the heroine and maybe... maybe just a little bit for the enthralling doctor Lecter, too?
Rated 13 Apr 2014
100
95th
Great modern psychological horror film. masterfully shot and acted. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are great and Scott Glenn and Anthony Hearld put in decent performances in supporting roles. Considering what was going on at the time the film was released(dahmer murders) adds another level of creepiness to the film in retrospect. Still holds up some 23 years later.
Rated 29 May 2007
9
90th
It's amazing how such an iconic villain and performance were achieved through only 15 minutes of screen time, but there's also much to admire in terms of screenplay and direction. A great film, 'nuff said.
Rated 08 Mar 2018
85
77th
Good classic movie. A little too slow for my taste, yet it is pretty enjoyable.
Rated 07 Feb 2011
96
92nd
Demme tried to replicate this a few times, but the tactics he used to create this film's unmistakably grim aesthetic always look like cheap tricks anywhere else. Hopkins is great, of course, but Foster matches him in a role that's less showy and really far more demanding; if only her acting had maintained this level of control and focus. Buffalo Bill is another great creation, and Levine's performance is terrific, making other film serial killers look like pale, sensationalist imitations.
Rated 14 Oct 2010
91
93rd
It's ridiculous that people can say that this film does not quite classify as a horror. What could be more scary than to watch a film, only to realise that the film is watching you?
Rated 30 Sep 2009
100
85th
The number One Thriller ! This Movie is frightening !
Rated 14 May 2012
100
99th
I rated it 100. Because on my scale that's "mind blowing". And that is what this movie was. Gosh.
Rated 30 Apr 2014
9
74th
A classic for a reason.
Rated 23 Jul 2014
95
97th
The epitome of a psychological horror. In the nature of others of the genre, leaves you craving more psychology and story from the characters. Yet, the developed and enthralling characters are so perfect that they are what make the movie stand out above the rest. Superbly written, acted, and paced. A masterpiece.
Rated 13 Jan 2011
90
44th
Scary, but good!
Rated 03 Jun 2013
80
77th
Remarkably, this movie doesn't lose its fear/thriller factor later on through the years. The Hannibal escape scene is terrifying.
Rated 11 May 2009
92
89th
Starling Darling.
Rated 10 Mar 2011
80
82nd
goes under your skin, I don`t dare to watch it or something like it again
Rated 22 Sep 2010
93
98th
Genre defining thriller made super stars out of Hopkins and Foster. Ted Levine is truly creepy.
Rated 08 Oct 2010
80
88th
The first half, which is extremely interesting and features a great performance by Anthony Hopkins, feels like a bomb ready to explode. And that's exactly what happens in the fascinating second half. The action is breathtaking, the mystery is well-crafted and the scene with Jodie Foster in the kidnapper's house is totally mind-blowing. Excluding the rather cheesy and conventional childhood memories of the heroine, "The Silence of the Lambs" is a classic thriller.
Rated 11 Dec 2011
100
97th
It is scary .. it is very good .. Antony Hopkins is superb as Dr. Hannibal Lecter Hannibal Lecter: First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature? What does he do, this man you seek? Clarice Starling: He kills women... Hannibal Lecter: No. That is incidental. What is the first and principal thing he does? What needs does he serve by killing? Clarice Starling: Anger, um, social acceptance, and, huh, sexual
Rated 25 Oct 2015
78
87th
Thrilling and played powerfully by Foster and Hopkins. Though I expected a bit more complexity concerning Hannibal's involvement in the case.
Rated 26 Feb 2010
80
46th
Extraordinarily engaging thriller with a delectable script and outstanding performances. There's not much to be said beyond that it is excellently made in nearly every respect, tension is wonderfully conveyed, the pacing is spot-on, and the film is precisely shot. My only issues revolve around the belief that the film simply doesn't elevate beyond an upper-class thriller, it never reaches the Hitchcock realm of perfection, all its aspects are excellent, but none are awe-inspiring.
Rated 02 Sep 2010
88
82nd
Great movie, but I feel that all the attention Hanibal Lector gets overshadows the incredible performances by Jodie Foster and Ted Levine.
Rated 30 Oct 2009
97
86th
Few movies scare me more than the terrifying killer that Clarice Starling has to track down with the help of the psychopathic Hannibal Lecter, brought to life by Anthony Hopkins.
Rated 23 Oct 2010
66
49th
It's extremely tense and well-made. But god, Buffalo Bill just gets... more uncomfortable, in the bad way, with each passing year. (Especially the year I found out I was trans.) (Also, Hannibal Lecter is a straight-up cartoon supervillain. This isn't a bad thing, I just want everyone to realize that he's not realistic evil.)
Rated 10 Apr 2014
97
96th
Anyone else feeling hungry after this? This thriller by Thomas Harris and directed by Jonathan Demme, is just fantastic. It's so good that I think honestly most crime shows and movies take aspects from this film and use it. Jodie Foster does an excellent job as young Agent Starling...

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