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To Die For

To Die For

All she wanted was a little attention.

1995106 minRMidcredits score: 78th percentile of all films
Director
Gus Van Sant
Starring
Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck

Suzanne Stone wants to be a world-famous news anchor and she is willing to do anything to get what she wants. What she lacks in intelligence, she makes up for in cold determination and diabolical wiles. As she pursues her goal with relentless focus, she is forced to destroy anything and anyone that may stand in her way, regardless of the ultimate cost or means necessary.

Where to watch

Where can I watch To Die For?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists To Die For streaming on Sony Pictures Core via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about To Die For?

To Die For earns 10 badges, led by Standout acting and Award-winning performance.

Show 2 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is To Die For worth watching?

To Die For's Midcredits score is the 78th percentile of all films, from 209K ratings across 6 sources. 65% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

78th percentile

Better received than 78% of films

85th percentile among Comedy80th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)81st
Approval (how many liked it)72nd

71 /100

81st percentile of all films

88th percentile among Comedy84th percentile among 1990s

Critics 86 · Audience 69

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

65% liked it

72nd percentile of all films

79th percentile among Comedy74th percentile among 1990s
65% rated it 7–1035% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 66%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 7 wins / 17 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

95th percentile

209K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Comedy93rd percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 32% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$20M
Opening weekend$387K
Domestic gross$21M
Worldwide gross$21M

Returned 1.1× its budget — 83rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a dark satire about a fame-obsessed woman and that Nicole Kidman's central performance is compelling, but they divide on whether the execution works.

Fans praised

  • Nicole Kidman's breakthrough, revelatory performance
  • Sharp, vicious satire of media culture and fame
  • Excellent supporting cast including Joaquin Phoenix and Illeana Douglas

Detractors panned

  • Fails as comedy or thriller — neither black nor funny
  • Weak plot and slow pacing undermine the intriguing premise
  • Tone is off-putting; story feels mean-spirited and unsatisfying

What stands out

Acting92

Nicole Kidman's star-making performance; strong support from Phoenix and Douglas

Originality88

Fresh take on the dark side of fame; critics note it's ahead of its time

Dialogue85

Witty, sharp lines that satirize media and fame

CharactersDivisive78

Memorable, albeit unlikable, characters; Suzanne is a standout antiheroine

HumorDivisive70

Black comedy that polarizes—funny to some, flat to others

TensionDivisive68

Suspense builds as Suzanne's schemes spiral

Plot and storyDivisive60

Thin and meandering; some find it engaging, others call it weak

PacingDivisive45

Slows down in the middle; drags for some viewers

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 16 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 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is To Die For like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It leaves you thinking.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
TenseAbsurdCold
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Multiple perspectives · 2% of films: The same events retold from different characters' points of view.
ToneThe film holds its material at a knowing, ironic distance, treating the absurdity of Suzanne's ambition and the murder plot with a wickedly satirical eye.
The rideThe film sustains a chilly, tense energy throughout, with dark absurdity punctuating the mood, culminating in a grimly ironic late stretch.
StructureThe story is told through documentary-style interviews and flashbacks, reconstructing the events from multiple viewpoints.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's sharp satire of fame and its darkly ironic conclusion linger, prompting reflection on media obsession while leaving a faint unease about how far ambition can go.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).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 archetypeSuzanne Stone's relentless pursuit of television fame leads her to manipulate and murder her husband, following a trajectory of moral corruption.

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 filmsSelfAmbitionSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · 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% (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% (this title) · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Ambition · 7% of filmsFame · 3% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is a ruthless satire of ambition and the lengths one will go to for fame, with deception as a key tool.
StanceThe film savagely satirizes ambition and fame through Suzanne's unwavering, sociopathic pursuit, making her a darkly comic cautionary figure.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernPopSupportive music · hybrid · Danny Elfman
Settinga small New Hampshire town in the mid-1990s, with a local cable TV station
MusicElfman's score blends quirky, off-kilter orchestral themes with pop songs that underscore the film's satirical edge.

Content guide

Is To Die For okay for kids?

R

To Die For is rated R: “Rated R for strong sexual content, and for language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (46/100), sexual content at moderate (53/100), language at intense (69/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at moderate (44/100). Overall it is heavier than 24% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • South Korea18
  • Czechia15+
  • Hungary16
  • PortugalM/16
  • Spain12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 51% of all filmsHeavier than 24% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 61%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 49%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 27%

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

The reason to think twice is language. 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 To Die For have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in To Die For?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; Nicole Kidman won the Globe for this film.

Nicole Kidman
as Suzanne Stone
Globe win: Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or MusicalTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Matt Dillon
as Larry Maretto
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Joaquin Phoenix
as Jimmy Emmett
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Casey Affleck
as Russel Hines
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
newcomer then · star now
Illeana Douglas
as Janice Maretto
Alison Folland
as Lydia Mertz
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Dan Hedaya
as Joe Maretto
Wayne Knight
as Ed Grant
Kurtwood Smith
as Earl Stone
Holland Taylor
as Carol Stone

Crew

More like this

What are movies like To Die For?

Movies like To Die For include Wild Things (1998), Kill Your Friends (2015) and Clay Pigeons (1998). All three are satires; two are films set in small-town America.

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with To Die For?

456 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: mockumentary. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.