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Action thriller

American Assassin (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

American Assassin (2017) movie poster

American Assassin is a 2017 action thriller directed by Michael Cuesta, starring Dylan O'Brien as Mitch Rapp, Michael Keaton and Sanaa Lathan. It runs 1 hour 52 minutes and earned $67.2 million worldwide on a $33 million budget. Critics gave it 34% on Rotten Tomatoes and 45 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
34%
worldwide gross
$67.2M
Echo Score
50
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American Assassin (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 52m (112 min)
Director
Michael Cuesta
Genres
Action , Thriller
Original language
English
Budget
$33M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is American Assassin About?

The premise of American Assassin without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A black ops CIA recruit, Mitch Rapp, is thrust into a dangerous world when he joins forces with seasoned operative Stan Hurley and Deputy Director Irene Kennedy. They investigate a series of escalating attacks and uncover a complex web of deceit. Their mission takes them across the globe, partnering with a skilled Turkish agent as they attempt to stop a rogue operative determined to destabilize the Middle East and trigger worldwide chaos.

American Assassin Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • terrorism
  • revenge
  • beach
  • fight
  • training
  • islamic terrorism
  • spy
  • assassin
  • female topless nudity
  • loss of fiancee
  • counter terrorism
  • iranian
+38 more
  • anti hero
  • one man army
  • nuclear threat
  • showdown
  • knife fight
  • anger
  • brutality
  • helicopter
  • torture
  • hotel
  • electric shock
  • boat
  • money transfer
  • based on novel
  • female frontal nudity
  • islamic fundamentalism
  • mentor protege relationship
  • orphan boy
  • ibiza spain
  • providence rhode island
  • tripoli libya
  • virginia
  • london england
  • istanbul turkey
  • romania
  • safe house
  • rome italy
  • housing project
  • dubai united arab emirates
  • italian
  • russian
  • action hero
  • tough guy
  • warrior
  • dark hero
  • dark past
  • tragic hero
  • tragic past
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Cast & crew

American Assassin Cast & Characters

Dylan O'Brien leads the cast as Mitch Rapp, with Michael Keaton as Stan Hurley and Sanaa Lathan as Irene Kennedy. Directed by Michael Cuesta; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in American Assassin

· 13 more
From the director

More from Michael Cuesta

More films directed by Michael Cuesta, best-rated first: Twelve and Holding, L.I.E., Kill the Messenger and Roadie.

Full filmography
Ratings

American Assassin Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave American Assassin 34% on Rotten Tomatoes and 45 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 50/100, strongest in sensory experience (58) and weakest in rewatch factor (46).

50 /100

American Assassin Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, American Assassin presents a divisive blend of technical skill and narrative weaknesses. While the visual design and action sequences are frequently noted for their polish and visceral impact, criticisms focus on a predictable plot and uneven character work. Reviewers praised the cinematography and spectacle but faulted the script’s lack of originality and sporadic pacing. The emotional arcs are regarded as shallow, limiting the film’s lasting resonance. On balance, the film registers as a middling thriller with sporadic highlights and notable shortcomings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s technical execution is often highlighted for its crisp framing and impactful visual set pieces. Several instances of dynamic camera work and polished production design receive consistent acclaim. However, commentary notes a lack of distinctive directorial vision and occasional inconsistencies in editing rhythm. The net result is a competent visual presentation that rarely transcends its genre conventions.

  • Character & Emotion 46

    When it comes to character and emotional depth, opinions are divided over the lead’s impact and supporting performances. Some observers find the protagonist’s drive engaging, noting credible mentor–pupil dynamics, while others criticize wooden acting and inconsistent character motivations. The chemistry between central figures is described as uneven, and emotional stakes occasionally feel underdeveloped. Overall, the character work provides intermittent moments of interest but lacks sustained resonance.

  • Story & Flow 46

    When it comes to story and flow, the narrative is often cited as predictable and fragmented. Critics note that early action sequences accelerate momentum but give way to a formulaic script with abrupt tonal shifts. The plot points in the climax have been described as unconvincing, which undermines engagement. Ultimately, the story delivers sporadic thrills but does not sustain coherence or originality throughout its runtime.

  • Sensory Experience 58

    In terms of sensory experience, the film receives praise for its visceral action and polished audio–visual design. Many remarks highlight the intensity of violence and the impact of the soundtrack alongside clean sound mixing. Despite these strengths, some note that visual flair occasionally outpaces narrative pacing, leading to moments of disconnect. On balance, the sensory elements provide compelling immersion though they sometimes overshadow the story’s rhythm.

  • Rewatch Factor 46

    When it comes to rewatch value, the film offers intermittent appeal largely tied to its action sequences. Reviewers mention that the spectacle retains some entertainment on subsequent viewings, though the uneven pacing and underdeveloped emotional moments diminish repeat engagement. The franchise potential noted by some suggests curiosity for future installments, yet the lack of originality limits lasting motivation. Overall, rewatch appeal is moderate and inconsistent.

Plot

American Assassin Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in American Assassin from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

While enjoying a vacation in sunny Spain, Mitch Rapp pops the question to his girlfriend, who joyfully accepts. However, their moment of happiness is shattered just moments later when a jihadist cell launches a deadly assault on unsuspecting tourists, resulting in her tragic death. This heinous act is intended to let Americans experience the heartache of losing loved ones, but it ignites a fierce determination within Mitch to seek vengeance on those responsible for the tragedy.

Full summary

The whole story of American Assassin, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

American Assassin Box Office & Budget

American Assassin grossed $67.2 million worldwide on a $33 million budget, 2.0 times what it cost. $36.2 million came from the US and Canada and $31 million (46%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$67.2M

2.0× its budget

US & Canada
$36.2M
International
$31M
Budget
$33M
US & Canada 54% Rest of the world 46%
Videos

American Assassin Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

Official Restricted Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer #2
  • Trailer AMERICAN ASSASSIN New Trailer 3 (Extended) 2017
Quiz

How Well Do You Know American Assassin?

9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 9

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered

What event triggers Mitch Rapp's quest for vengeance?

Cars

Cars in American Assassin

51 cars on screen, including the 2006 Alfa Romeo Brera and the 2012 Lancia Thema.

All 51 cars
  • 2006 Alfa Romeo Brera in American Assassin 2006 Alfa Romeo Brera Important role
  • 2012 Lancia Thema in American Assassin 2012 Lancia Thema Important role
  • Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 in American Assassin Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 Important role
  • 2009 Opel Insignia A in American Assassin 2009 Opel Insignia A Important role
Details

American Assassin Also Known As

30 alternative titles, including “Americký bojovník” and “O assassino: o primeiro alvo”.

Also known as
  • Americký bojovník
  • O assassino: o primeiro alvo
  • Asesino: misión venganza
  • Assassino americano
  • Asasin american
  • Suikastçı
  • 美國特工
  • 美国特工
  • Амерички плаћеник
  • Американски убиец
  • Amerikai bérgyilkos
  • Наёмник
+18 more
  • Американський вбивця
  • Assassin Américain
  • מתנקש אמריקאי
  • 美國刺客
  • Americký zabiják
  • 美国刺客
  • อหังการ์ ทีมฆ่า
  • American Assassin: Η Εκδίκηση
  • قاتل امريكي
  • アメリカン・アサシン
  • 어쌔신: 더 비기닝
  • Mācīts nogalināt
  • Američki plaćenik
  • Americký zabijak
  • Amerikietis žudikas
  • Ameriški morilec
  • Sát Thủ Kiểu Mỹ, ამერიკელი მკვლელი
  • अमेरिकन हत्यारा

Seen American Assassin?

FAQ

American Assassin FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of American Assassin, each answered in a sentence.

How long is American Assassin?

American Assassin runs 1 hour 52 minutes (112 minutes).

When was American Assassin released?

American Assassin was released on September 15, 2017.

Who directed American Assassin?

American Assassin was directed by Michael Cuesta.

More films by Michael Cuesta

Who is in the cast of American Assassin?

American Assassin stars Dylan O'Brien as Mitch Rapp, Michael Keaton as Stan Hurley and Sanaa Lathan as Irene Kennedy, among 17 credited actors.

How much did American Assassin make at the box office?

American Assassin grossed $67.2 million worldwide ($36.2 million domestic, $31 million international) on a budget of $33 million.

How is American Assassin rated?

American Assassin has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 34% on Rotten Tomatoes, 45 on Metacritic and 64% on TMDB.

Does American Assassin have a post-credit scene?

No. American Assassin has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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