Bad Lieutenant

Play trailer

Bad Lieutenant

NC-17

1992

1h 38m

Crime

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

54 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.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

Jake Cole

Slant Magazine

06/05/2024

Even by the scuzzy standards of Abel Ferrara’s filmography, Bad Lieutenant is particularly filthy.

Go to Full Review

Peter Rainer

Los Angeles Times

01/08/2019

[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

01/08/2019

It's a powerhouse performance in a film of jabbing intensity and wit.

Go to Full Review

Kat Halstead

Common Sense Media

Jul 7

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

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

08/21/2025

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

Ashequl I

@Tofa13 Aug 7

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

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

A cop so morally corrupt; I don't know whether to pity or laugh

See more

James H.

@420Drive-in Feb 2

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

Guillermo A

@Guillermo.Almeida Jan 28

Perfect in all the ways it can be read, it begins with the delivery of 2 children and ends with 2 men, Harvey in the greatest actin.

See more

Jack F

@MovieFan111 Jan 14

I did not like or enjoy this movie. It was boring, and just not good. If you like Harvey Keitel, then watch it. If not, don't waste your time.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Abel Ferrara

Director

Harvey Keitel

The Lieutenant

Frankie Thorn

The Nun

Zoë Lund

Zoe

Anthony Ruggiero

Lite

Eddie Daniels

Jersey Girl (driver)

View more videos

Romper Stomper

78%

73%

Romper Stomper

Watchlist

Night and the City

57%

30%

Night and the City

Watchlist

Romeo Is Bleeding

28%

61%

Romeo Is Bleeding

Watchlist

Billy Bathgate

36%

29%

Billy Bathgate

Watchlist

Red Rock West

95%

76%

Red Rock West

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Interview: Abel Ferrara Says Ms. 45 Terrified a Grindhouse Crowd

Cage Unleashes Crazy In Bad Lieutenant Trailer

Further Reading: Marion Cotillard and Forest Whittaker in Abel Ferrara’s Mary

View more photos

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)

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings