American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

84% Tomatometer 89 Reviews 96% Audience Score 250,000+ Ratings

Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. As he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate. Read More Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

Where to Watch

American History X

Fandango at Home Prime Video Paramount+ Apple TV

Watch American History X with a subscription on Paramount+, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

American History X

What to Know

Critics Consensus

American History X doesn't contend with its subject matter as fully as it could, but Edward Norton's performance gives this hard-hitting drama crucial weight.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (89) Critics Reviews
American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (1) David Edelstein Slate Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious. Aug 19, 2011 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Geoff Andrew Time Out Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Manohla Dargis L.A. Weekly The problem is that Kaye, who's used to selling cars on TV, shoots Derek the Hater as lovingly as he would a new Volkswagen. Oct 7, 2002 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Making social statements is important, but so is quality writing. The film lacks too much in one area to be brilliant, but is successful enough in other areas that it is easily a good movie. Rated: 3/4 Oct 5, 2023 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Joseph Robinson Fish Jelly Films (YouTube) Equal parts disturbing and honest, American History X is a sobering look at the power of role models. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 19, 2023 Full Review American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Akos Peterbencze Frame Rated (Medium) The first half of the film works best because it uses rigorous violence and hate-speech to build and showcase the neo-Nazi group’s philosophy. The protagonist’s transformation in the second half is not as profound. Jul 26, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews

Audience Member Quite simply magnificent Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/10/24 Full Review Rafa This movie still relates till this day. The story is gripping and finishes off how it started. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/11/24 Full Review Howard H Takes a while to feel better about themes in movie. Character arc of a lifetime. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/15/24 Full Review New Spice over Old Spice This Film does a magnificent job of showing the wrongdoings of society. It also does a magnificent job of reconstructing the image of a neo-nazi who served time into someone who ends up wanting to treat everybody equally even if it means abandoning your closest friends. For Derek, it's about to protecting his family, even if he has to fight against the world to do so. Ed Norton delivers a practical performance as Derek Vinyard, alongside Ed Furlong as his younger brother, Danny. This movie is basically the token for Rated-R Movies with its violent scenes and profanity but it's necessary enough to be labeled near the top.3.4 / 4.0 | 85% Positive Score Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/27/24 Full Review Benjamin H Although it could have delved slightly deeper into some of the character changes and plot parallels, American History X is a grim, uncompromising and thought-provoking crime drama whose important message is as strong and moving as the amazing performances from Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/01/24 Full Review Gigsy V Ed Norton's Derek Vinyard is one of the all-time best performances in film; he is intelligent, quick, scary and intimidating all at the same time (i.e. he doesn't play a one-dimensional character). I also love the arc of the character and how he genuinely goes through something transformative; it is a massively thought-provoking film and it ends shockingly and sticks with you well after it has ended. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/24 Full Review Read all reviews

American History X

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Tony Kaye Director Ed Norton Derek Vinyard Edward Furlong Daniel "Danny" Vinyard Fairuza Balk Stacey Beverly D'Angelo Doris Vinyard Avery Brooks Bob Sweeney
Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew

More Like This

View All Best Movies to Stream at Home

Menace II Society 84% 93% Menace II Society TRAILER for Menace II Society One Night Stand 33% 39% One Night Stand Pump Up the Volume 79% 85% Pump Up the Volume Body Shots 11% 27% Body Shots The Rapture 65% 62% The Rapture Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Related Movie News

View All Related Movie News
New Certified Fresh Movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime: E.T., Indiana Jones, Superman, and More

Photos

View All American History X photos

American History X

Edward Norton in American History X Avery Brooks and Edward Norton in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X Jennifer Lien, Beverly D'Angelo, Edward Norton and Edward Furlong in American History X Edward Furlong in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X Edward Furlong and Edward Norton in American History X View more photos

Synopsis Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. As he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate.

Director
Tony Kaye

Producer
John Morrissey

Screenwriter
David McKenna

Distributor
New Line Cinema

Production Co
New Line Cinema, Turman-Morrissey Company

Rating
R (Nudity|Graphic Brutal Violence|Rape|Strong Sexuality)

Genre
Drama

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 30, 1998, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 1, 2008

Box Office (Gross USA)
$6.7M

Runtime
1h 58m

Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR

Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
Most Popular at Home Now
American History X | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 5377

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.