Enemy of the State

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Enemy of the State

R

1998

2h 7m

Mystery & Thriller

Action

Adventure

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

80 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Corrupt National Security Agency official Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight) has a congressman assassinated to assure the passage of expansive new surveillance legislation. When a videotape of the murder ends up in the hands of Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith), a labor lawyer and dedicated family man, he is framed for murder. With the help of ex-intelligence agent Edward "Brill" Lyle (Gene Hackman), Dean attempts to throw Reynolds off his trail and prove his innocence.

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Critics Consensus

An entertaining, topical thriller that finds director Tony Scott on solid form and Will Smith confirming his action headliner status.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 24, 2010

3/5

Decent thriller; not suitable for kids.

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Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

Mar 30, 2009

[Its] spirited action is balanced by an almost contemplative attitude toward surveillance phobias and the movie cliches they've spawned.

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Jeff Millar

Houston Chronicle

Jul 21, 2005

Since Scott could not make this film snap, crackle or pop faster or more loudly, you might find the evening a bit light.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Aug 19, 2023

It’s a shame to see a film about the intelligence community executed with so little intelligence but it’s a fun ride.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Sep 11, 2020

7/10

Far ahead of its time in educating society on its rapidly diminishing freedoms from governmental scrutiny, the screenplay favorably manages not to forget to entertain.

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Michael Gaither

Santa Cruz Sentinel

Mar 25, 2020

B+

Scott creates suspense by utilizing believable technology and realistic, well-grounded characters.

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Jacob W

@RT17896586 5 days ago

Here the late great Tony Scott delivers a really great thriller when Will Smith was at his best. The film is fast paced with a fantastic cast including Hackman. Really enjoyed it.

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Robert P

@Superbad Oct 6, 2026

Enemy Of The State is a *4* star movie!!!!

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Frans B

@FransB Sep 8, 2026

Brilliant. Intricately written with great storytelling, albeit a familiar premise. Very good cinematography adds to the suitable ambiance. Stellar cast all excel in character, Will Smith in particular. Lots of fast paced action, suspense, thrills, twists, emotion, intrigue and drama. Entertaining and captivating

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bruce F

@bruce999 Aug 4, 2026

nicely crafted movie, with lots of suspense, all the way through. enjoyable.

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Jason R

@J-Rush1411 Jun 25, 2026

Probably Will Smith at his best acting wise, quite the storyline

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AJ L

@aj9843 Jun 9, 2026

Gunfight scene at the end was straight comedy. Completely didn't match the tone of the rest of the film lol

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Tony Scott

Director

Will Smith

Robert Clayton Dean

Gene Hackman

Edward 'Brill' Lyle

Jon Voight

Thomas Brian Reynolds

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Enemy of the State: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Corrupt National Security Agency official Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight) has a congressman assassinated to assure the passage of expansive new surveillance legislation. When a videotape of the murder ends up in the hands of Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith), a labor lawyer and dedicated family man, he is framed for murder. With the help of ex-intelligence agent Edward "Brill" Lyle (Gene Hackman), Dean attempts to throw Reynolds off his trail and prove his innocence.

Director: Tony Scott
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
Screenwriter: David Marconi
Distributor: Buena Vista International [us], Touchstone Home Video, Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 20, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 4, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $111.5M
Runtime: 2h 7m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

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