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The Devil's Advocate

The Devil's Advocate

The newest attorney at the world's most powerful law firm has never lost a case. But he's about to lose his soul.

1997144 minRMidcredits score: 94th percentile of all films
Director
Taylor Hackford
Starring
Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones

Aspiring Florida defense lawyer Kevin Lomax accepts a job at a New York law firm. With the stakes getting higher every case, Kevin quickly learns that his boss has something far more evil planned.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Devil's Advocate?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Devil's Advocate to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Devil's Advocate?

The Devil's Advocate earns 14 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 5% in Drama.

Show 6 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Devil's Advocate worth watching?

The Devil's Advocate's Midcredits score is the 94th percentile of all films, from 1M ratings across 6 sources. 84% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

94th percentile

Better received than 94% of films

95th percentile among Drama94th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)90th
Approval (how many liked it)94th

74 /100

90th percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Drama92nd percentile among 1990s

Critics 60 · Audience 75

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.6 — people broadly agree on this one.

84% liked it

94th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Drama95th percentile among 1990s
84% rated it 7–1016% rated it 1–6

Critics 65% · Audience 80%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 7 noms overall

99th percentile

1M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$57M
Opening weekend$12M
Domestic gross$61M
Worldwide gross$153M

Returned 2.7× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A stylish Faustian legal thriller anchored by Al Pacino's larger-than-life portrayal of the Devil, with a premise that is more entertaining than profound.

Fans praised

  • Al Pacino's magnetic, charismatic, scenery-chewing performance as John Milton
  • Intelligent, thought-provoking script with sharp dialogue and biblical references
  • Powerful, atmospheric thriller with stylish cinematography and effective tension

Detractors panned

  • Keanu Reeves's stiff, wooden acting and inconsistent Southern accent
  • Over-the-top, hammy performance from Al Pacino that becomes shouting
  • Ridiculous, contrived plot with a disappointing, cheat-like ending

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

Pacino magnetic and show-stopping; Reeves stiff and wooden with weak accent

AtmosphereDivisive75

Creepy, claustrophobic, and stylishly decadent Gotham setting

DialogueDivisive72

Sharp, quotable lines and memorable monologues; sometimes bombastic

OriginalityDivisive60

Fresh lawyer-meets-devil hook but derivative of Rosemary's Baby and Angel Heart

CharactersDivisive58

Kevin Lomax shallow and unlikable; Mary Ann's descent compelling but rushed

Plot and storyDivisive55

Engaging Faustian premise undermined by contrived twists and overlong runtime

EndingDivisive45

Divisive dream-sequence reset and cyclical finale; feels like a cheat

Pacing45

Too slow in the middle; overlong at 144 minutes

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Devil's Advocate like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Big and sweeping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be swept up in something big.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Big and sweeping.

Moods
TenseDreadContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material with straight-faced gravity, treating its Faustian premise as a serious moral drama, while allowing Pacino's over-the-top performance to add a layer of theatrical menace.
The rideThe film builds a pervasive unease that peaks in the final confrontation, where the supernatural stakes and Kevin's choices come to a head.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward, act-based structure from Kevin's Florida life to his New York corruption and revelation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's exploration of temptation and moral compromise lingers, especially in the wake of its ambiguous ending, leaving questions about free will and the nature of evil.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).Tragedy
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% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% (this title) · 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. · Corruption arc: Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeKevin Lomax, a small-town lawyer with a perfect record, is seduced by a corrupt law firm that caters to his vanity, leading him to compromise all his values step by step, with cosmic consequences.

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 filmsSelfCorruption
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% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · 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% (this title) · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Corruption · 3% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsFree will · under 1% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Cosmic stakes: Consequences reach beyond the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film warns that unchecked ambition and vanity can lead to a complete loss of moral integrity, and that free will is the only defense against such corruption.
StanceThe film warns against the pursuit of worldly success at the expense of one's soul, depicting that path as literally hellish.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · James Newton Howard
SettingA high-powered Manhattan law firm cloaked in demonic corruption, contrasted with the Lomaxes' Florida home.
MusicThe score blends ominous, brooding strings with subtle religious motifs, underscoring the film's supernatural menace.

Content guide

Is The Devil's Advocate okay for kids?

R

The Devil's Advocate is rated R: “Rated R for sexuality, nudity, violence and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (88/100), sexual content at severe (84/100), language at severe (86/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (66/100) and frightening material at severe (83/100). Overall it is heavier than 96% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK18
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaR 18+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland18
  • New ZealandR18
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil16
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Greece16
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyVM14
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PortugalM/16
  • RO15
  • SK15
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Severe · all five categories
Heavier than 98% of all filmsHeavier than 96% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 80%
Sex & Nudity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 98%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 84%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 84%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%

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

Heavy almost across the board: violence, language, sexual content, frightening material, and drug and alcohol content.

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 The Devil's Advocate have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Devil's Advocate?

Cast

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

Keanu Reeves
as Kevin Lomax
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.
Al Pacino
as John Milton
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.
Charlize Theron
as Mary Ann Lomax
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Jeffrey Jones
as Eddie Barzoon
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Judith Ivey
as Mrs. Alice Lomax
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Connie Nielsen
as Christabella Andreoli
newcomer then · star now
Craig T. Nelson
as Alexander Cullen
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Tamara Tunie
as Mrs. Jackie Heath
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
as Leamon Heath
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Debra Monk
as Pam Garrety
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Devil's Advocate?

Movies like The Devil's Advocate include Michael Clayton (2007), Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017) and And Justice for All (1979). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Tony Gilroy, and half are films about corruption.

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

9 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 The Devil's Advocate?

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