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One Eight Seven

One Eight Seven

When schools become war zones and both sides start taking casualties, what then?

1997119 minRMidcredits score: 64th percentile of all films
Director
Kevin Reynolds
Starring
Samuel L. Jackson, John Heard, Kelly Rowan, Clifton Collins Jr.

When a Brooklyn high school student writes the police code for homicide, 187, inside a textbook owned by teacher Trevor Garfield, Garfield feels threatened. The principal dismisses the incident, but the same student stabs Trevor soon after. Fifteen months later, a physically and emotionally scarred Trevor relocates to California and takes up substitute teaching. To his dismay, his new school is as full of dangerously undisciplined students as his old one—including four Latin Americans and a European American claiming membership in tagging gang K.O.S. (Kappin' Off Suckers)—driving him over the edge.

Where to watch

Where can I watch One Eight Seven?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists One Eight Seven streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about One Eight Seven?

One Eight Seven earns 9 badges, led by Standout acting and Guilty pleasure.

Show 1 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is One Eight Seven worth watching?

One Eight Seven's Midcredits score is the 64th percentile of all films, from 43K ratings across 6 sources. 61% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

64th percentile

Better received than 64% of films

65th percentile among Drama67th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)59th
Approval (how many liked it)67th

64 /100

59th percentile of all films

60th percentile among Drama63rd percentile among 1990s

Critics 41 · Audience 66

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

61% liked it

67th percentile of all films

68th percentile among Drama69th percentile among 1990s
61% rated it 7–1039% rated it 1–6

Critics 31% · Audience 67%

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

92nd percentile

43K ratings across platforms

94th percentile among Drama88th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 26% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$20M
Opening weekend$2.2M
Domestic gross$5.7M
Worldwide gross$5.7M

Returned 0.3× its budget — 80th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A dedicated teacher in an inner-city school is pushed to violence by an indifferent system and dangerous students.

Fans praised

  • Jackson's layered, vulnerable performance anchors the film
  • gritty, authentic look at urban school violence and teacher helplessness
  • tense, atmospheric direction with strong visual style and soundtrack

Detractors panned

  • loses coherence and credibility in the final act
  • exploitative and manipulative rather than tragic or insightful
  • schematic, stereotyped characters and heavy-handed message

What stands out

Acting82

Jackson's intense, nuanced performance universally lauded; supporting cast uneven

AtmosphereDivisive75

smoggy, oppressive L.A. and school menace evoke dread

TensionDivisive75

simmering dread and suspenseful confrontations

Emotional impactDivisive65

depressing and draining, moving for some, numbing for others

PacingDivisive55

engaging first half, sluggish and meandering later

CharactersDivisive50

Jackson's Garfield is compelling, but students and love interest are thinly drawn

Plot and storyDivisive48

strong setup devolves into implausible vigilante thriller

EndingDivisive40

polarizing, divisive finale, often criticized as over-the-top

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

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

  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is One Eight Seven like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you devastated. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film is played straight with grim earnestness, refusing to glamorize the violence or the teacher's vigilantism.
The rideThe mood is dominated by sustained tension and dread, with periodic spikes of violence, and the emotional weight peaks in the climactic confrontation and somber ending.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically: the stabbing in Brooklyn, the move to Los Angeles, and the escalating conflict with the K.O.S. gang.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Devastated.

The answer rests on this: Devastating · 3% of filmsInfuriating · 4% of films: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.Thought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a devastating sense of loss and outrage at a system that abandons both teachers and students, while the themes of justice and institutional failure linger.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

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).TragedyHubris
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% (this title): Hubris 1% (this title) · 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%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Hubris: Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).

9% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeGarfield, a decent teacher whose life is shattered by a student's attack, is pushed by an indifferent system and gang terror into taking violent justice into his own hands, ending in his own destruction and a pyrrhic victory.

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% (this title) · 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% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • 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 filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Identity · 14% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates what justice means when institutions fail, and whether a teacher's descent into vigilante violence can ever be redeemed.
StanceThe film questions whether vigilante justice is ever justified when institutional systems fail, without offering a clear verdict.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
AmbientElectronicSupportive music · original score
SettingAn inner-city high school in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, surrounded by gang activity.
MusicA sparse, atmospheric score that underlines the tension without overwhelming the realistic tone.

Content guide

Is One Eight Seven okay for kids?

R

One Eight Seven is rated R: “Rated R for violence, strong language, drug use and brief nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (78/100), sexual content at moderate (54/100), language at severe (90/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (64/100) and frightening material at intense (74/100). Overall it is heavier than 85% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Czechia15+
  • Netherlands12
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 91% of all filmsHeavier than 85% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 62%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 63%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 92%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 82%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 70%

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

Heavy almost across the board: language, violence, frightening material, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

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 One Eight Seven have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in One Eight Seven?

Cast

Samuel L. Jackson
as Trevor
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John Heard
as Childress
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kelly Rowan
as Ellen
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Clifton Collins Jr.
as Cesar
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tony Plana
as Garcia
Karina Arroyave
as Rita
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Lobo Sebastian
as Benny
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jack Kehler
as Hyland
Jonah Rooney
as Stevie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Demetrius Navarro
as Paco
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like One Eight Seven?

Movies like One Eight Seven include Carrie (1976), The Beast of War (1988) and Lakeview Terrace (2008). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films set in high school, and most are hero-versus-nemesis stories.

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

7 of these 12 share its world: student life. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with One Eight Seven?

682 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: prison drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.