JFK poster

JFK

"The story that won't go away."

Movie R 1991 3h 9m 7.6 /10

After President John F Kennedy is assassinated, New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison launches a dogged investigation that questions the official account. The film follows his effort to assemble a legal case that could expose connections between fragmented threads and hidden forces. We watch... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 07, 2026

About JFK

After President John F Kennedy is assassinated, New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison launches a dogged investigation that questions the official account. The film follows his effort to assemble a legal case that could expose connections between fragmented threads and hidden forces. We watch Garrison interview witnesses, pursue clues, and press his theory amid skepticism and political pressure. Kevin Costner embodies the relentless prosecutor, Tommy Lee Jones plays a key ally with a complicated stance, Gary Oldman embodies Lee Harvey Oswald, Kevin Bacon appears as Willie O'Keefe, and Michael Rooker portrays Bill Broussard. The narrative blends courtroom drama with stylized reconstruction, using a documentary sensibility to probe power, secrecy, and what really happened in Dallas. The tone emphasizes urgency indeed.

Directed by Oliver Stone, JFK unfolds as a cinematic inquiry rather than a biopic. Screenplay credits go to Stone, Zachary Sklar, and Jim Garrison, drawing on the investigation to frame a controversial argument about what lies behind the assassination today.

The film grossed 205,405,498 worldwide on a 40 million budget, reflecting solid audience demand for a provocative historical thriller. Its commercial performance helped solidify Stone's place in mainstream cinema and underscored the public's appetite for controversial reinterpretations of history today.

JFK ignited a long lasting debate about conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy's death. It popularized the idea that official narratives may omit crucial details, prompting renewed attention to declassified documents and archival footage. The movie's bold presentation and tense courtroom sequences left a lasting mark on political thrillers for wider audiences.

Reception was polarized, with critics praising the ambition and performances while arguing about factual liberties. The film probes power and accountability, the clash between official statements and public perception, and how media shapes memory of a defining moment. It remains a touchstone for debates in cinematic historical revisionism and scholars.

Details

Release Date
December 20, 1991
Runtime
3h 9m
Rating
R
User Ratings
2,334 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Drama, Thriller, History
Country
United States
Studio
Warner Bros. Pictures +4 more
Budget
$40,000,000
Box Office
$205,405,498
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner

Jim Garrison

Tommy Lee Jones

Tommy Lee Jones

Clay Shaw

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman

Lee Harvey Oswald

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon

Willie O'Keefe

Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker

Bill Broussard

Jack Lemmon

Jack Lemmon

Jack Martin

Laurie Metcalf

Laurie Metcalf

Susie Cox

Sissy Spacek

Sissy Spacek

Liz Garrison

Joe Pesci

Joe Pesci

David Ferrie

John Candy

John Candy

Dean Andrews

Written by: Oliver Stone, Zachary Sklar, Jim Garrison

Frequently Asked Questions

JFK is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 7.6/10 from 2,334 viewers, JFK is well-received and recommended by the community. It's a good pick if you enjoy drama, thriller, and history stories.

After President John F Kennedy is assassinated, New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison launches a dogged investigation that questions the official account. The film follows his effort to assemble a legal case that could expose connections between fragmented threads and hidden forces. We watch...

JFK is a dramatized account of Jim Garrison's investigation into Kennedy's assassination. It features real people like Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner), Lee Harvey Oswald (Gary Oldman), and Clay Shaw (Tommy Lee Jones). It's not a documentary, and its portrayal has sparked debate among historians.

The film presents a narrative interpretation of Jim Garrison's investigation and the Kennedy assassination, highlighting controversial theories. Many historians disagree with certain specifics, so it's best viewed as dramatic storytelling rather than a definitive history.