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High Crimes

High Crimes

Everything you trust. Everything you know. May be a lie...

2002115 minPG-13Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films
Director
Carl Franklin
Starring
Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Jim Caviezel, Adam Scott

A female attorney learns that her husband is really a marine officer who has been AWOL for fifteen years and accused of murdering fifteen civilians in El Salvador. Believing her husband when he tells her that he's being framed as part of a U.S. Military cover-up, the attorney defends him in a military court.

Where to watch

Where can I watch High Crimes?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists High Crimes streaming on Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about High Crimes?

High Crimes earns 7 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is High Crimes worth watching?

High Crimes' Midcredits score is the 53rd percentile of all films, from 74K ratings across 6 sources. 50% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

53rd percentile

Better received than 53% of films

55th percentile among Crime51st percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)53rd
Approval (how many liked it)52nd

62 /100

53rd percentile of all films

54th percentile among Crime52nd percentile among 2000s

Critics 48 · Audience 64

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

50% liked it

52nd percentile of all films

53rd percentile among Crime49th percentile among 2000s
50% rated it 7–1050% rated it 1–6

Critics 31% · Audience 50%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

95th percentile

74K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Crime90th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 38% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$42M
Opening weekend$14M
Domestic gross$42M
Worldwide gross$64M

Returned 1.5× its budget — 93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is a predictable but watchable courtroom thriller carried by its stars.

Fans praised

  • Strong lead performances from Judd and Freeman with natural chemistry
  • Engaging pacing and sustained suspense throughout
  • Effective courtroom-military thriller with solid twists

Detractors panned

  • Formulaic and entirely predictable plot
  • Ending twist undermines earlier logic and feels forced
  • Thin character writing with stereotype roles

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

Judd and Freeman praised for chemistry and commitment; some call Judd miscast and Caviezel wooden

PacingDivisive65

Well-paced first half; dragged or rushed toward formulaic ending

TensionDivisive55

Effective suspense sequences undermined by predictability

Plot and storyDivisive40

Derivative military-conspiracy formula with predictable twist

CharactersDivisive40

Flat stereotypes; Freeman's Grimes the only layered figure

Ending25

Twist deemed illogical and unsatisfying even by fans

Originality15

Repackages elements from A Few Good Men, Jagged Edge, and Music Box

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is High Crimes like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseContemplativeHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Melodramatic · 9% of films: Heightened emotion, played large.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its courtroom drama and conspiracy thriller straight, with earnest performances and a serious, tense atmosphere.
The rideThe film stays tense as the legal battle unfolds, with contemplative moments as Claire uncovers truths.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional chronological order, following the investigation and trial.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe revelation that the husband was guilty all along leaves an uneasy, devastating impression.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe plot is driven by the question of who actually killed the villagers, and Claire investigates to prove her husband's innocence, uncovering a military cover-up.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsDeception · 9% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates the pursuit of justice within a corrupt system, while the central deception and betrayal undermine trust.
StanceThe film questions the morality and accountability of military and legal institutions through Claire's fight.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingA courtroom and military investigation spanning US cities and possibly foreign locales.

Content guide

Is High Crimes okay for kids?

PG-13

High Crimes is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for violence, sexual content and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (59/100), sexual content at moderate (45/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (38/100) and frightening material at moderate (59/100). Overall it is heavier than 80% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • UK12
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12
  • JapanR18+
  • Denmark15
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland18
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 50% of all filmsHeavier than 80% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 70%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 83%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 69%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 76%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 73%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 70% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does High Crimes have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in High Crimes?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Ashley Judd
as Claire Kubik
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Morgan Freeman
as Charles W. Grimes
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jim Caviezel
as Tom Kubik
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Adam Scott
as Lt. Terrence Embry
newcomer then · star now
Amanda Peet
as Jackie
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Bruce Davison
as Brig. Gen. Bill Marks
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Tom Bower
as FBI Agent Mullins
Juan Carlos Hernández
as Maj. James Hernandez
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Michael Gaston
as Maj. Lucas Waldron
Jude Ciccolella
as Col. Farrell

Crew

More like this

What are movies like High Crimes?

Movies like High Crimes include Presumed Innocent (1990), True Believer (1989) and The Lincoln Lawyer (2011). Of the 12 closest matches, most are courtroom dramas, and several are stories about marriages in crisis.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: legal. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with High Crimes?

237 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: legal thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.