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Bad Lieutenant

Play trailer Poster for Bad Lieutenant NC-17 1992 1h 38m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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76% Tomatometer 51 Reviews 74% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
The Lieutenant (Harvey Keitel) is a corrupt cop steeped in gambling debt who exploits his authority to sexually harass teenage girls, embezzle money and abuse drugs. His troubles come to a head when a mob lackey delivers an ultimatum: pay off his debt, or else. His fate appears sealed. But when The Lieutenant learns that a $50,000 reward is being offered to whoever catches a pair of thugs who raped a nun (Frankie Thorn), he jumps at the opportunity, hoping that he can still redeem himself.
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Bad Lieutenant

Bad Lieutenant

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Critics Consensus

Bad Lieutenant will challenge less desensitized viewers with its depiction of police corruption, but Harvey Keitel's committed performance makes it hard to turn away.

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Critics Reviews

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Jake Cole Slant Magazine Jun 5, 2024
Even by the scuzzy standards of Abel Ferrara’s filmography, Bad Lieutenant is particularly filthy. Go to Full Review Peter Rainer Los Angeles Times Jan 8, 2019
[Keitel] keeps us watching his descent without wanting to look away. Only an actor with tremendous reserves of power could accomplish that. Go to Full Review Peter Travers Rolling Stone Jan 8, 2019
It's a powerhouse performance in a film of jabbing intensity and wit. Go to Full Review Kat Halstead Common Sense Media Jul 7, 2026
3/5
The title of this gritty, disturbing crime drama doesn't even begin to describe just how depraved and detestable the central character really is. Go to Full Review Matt Glasby Flicks (AU, NZ, UK) Jan 8, 2026
This time, I’m glad to say I made it all the way through, and was (un)pleasantly surprised. It’s still a punishing watch - and flawed as hell - but closer to art than exploitation. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Aug 21, 2025
4/5
…Abel Ferrara’s Bad Lieutenant is an extreme film about an extreme character... even if the subject matter is intended to disturb, it’s still a very good film, with a colossal central performance from Harvey Keitel as a corrupt cop with religious leanings Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Marc Z @TKDLife Oct 12, 2026 Harvey Keitel gives one of the darkest and best performances of all time in the lead role of this crime drama. Abel Ferrara's Direction is outstanding. This was a controversial film because of its dark imagery, sexual violence, and drug use. The film rises and falls on the memorable performance by Harvey. This is an Oscar worthy performance that was overlooked, obviously because of the controversial content. See this film. It holds up. See more Robert P @Superbad Oct 6, 2026 Bad Lieutenant is a *4* star Movie! See more Ashequl I @Tofa13 Aug 7, 2026 Abel Ferrara’s Bad Lieutenant (1992) is a harrowing, deeply visceral drama that fearlessly dives into the darkest corners of human nature. Harvey Keitel delivers a tour-de-force performance as a deeply corrupt, drug-addicted NYPD detective spiraling out of control. His worldview is fundamentally shaken during an investigation where a victim chooses radical forgiveness over vengeance, sparking a painful and profound spiritual awakening. While it is far from a traditional thriller and offers a relentless, uncomfortable atmosphere, the screenplay’s emotional weight and Keitel’s fearless acting elevate it into a powerful, unforgettable piece of cinema. See more Dark D @RT65718715 Mar 1, 2026 I knew nothing about this movie before watching it last night. I found it awful (mostly laughable, and at times painful.) It begs for a laugh track, especially the church scenes. Harvey's constipated moans are a hidden treasure. See more Steve C @RT19610513 Feb 6, 2026 A cop so morally corrupt; I don't know whether to pity or laugh See more James H. @420Drive-in Feb 2, 2026 Harvey Keitel gives an amazing performance in this dark and gritty crime drama. This movie shows the despair of addiction, religion and morality. This movie was like following Hunter Biden around for a day. See more Read all reviews
Bad Lieutenant

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Cast & Crew

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Abel Ferrara

Director

Harvey Keitel

The Lieutenant

Frankie Thorn

The Nun

Zoë Lund

Zoe

Anthony Ruggiero

Lite

Eddie Daniels

Jersey Girl (driver)

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Bad Lieutenant

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Bad Lieutenant

Bad Lieutenant (1992) Bad Lieutenant (1992) Bad Lieutenant (1992) Bad Lieutenant (1992) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis The Lieutenant (Harvey Keitel) is a corrupt cop steeped in gambling debt who exploits his authority to sexually harass teenage girls, embezzle money and abuse drugs. His troubles come to a head when a mob lackey delivers an ultimatum: pay off his debt, or else. His fate appears sealed. But when The Lieutenant learns that a $50,000 reward is being offered to whoever catches a pair of thugs who raped a nun (Frankie Thorn), he jumps at the opportunity, hoping that he can still redeem himself.
Director
Abel Ferrara
Producer
Edward R. Pressman, Mary Kane
Screenwriter
Abel Ferrara, Zoë Lund
Production Co
Bad Lt. Productions
Rating
NC-17
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 1, 2007
Box Office (Gross USA)
$47.5K
Runtime
1h 38m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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