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Biographical drama

BlacKkKlansman (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

BlacKkKlansman (2018) movie poster

BlacKkKlansman is a 2018 biographical drama directed by Spike Lee, starring John David Washington as Ron Stallworth, Corey Hawkins and Laura Harrier. It is partly based on Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth. It runs 2 hours 15 minutes and earned $93.4 million worldwide on a $15 million budget. It won 1 Oscar, including Writing (Adapted Screenplay), and 3 awards in all. Critics gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
96%
worldwide gross
$93.4M
Oscar won
1
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Watch the trailer Plot & ending explained
BlacKkKlansman (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 15m (135 min)
Director
Spike Lee
Genres
Biography , Drama , Comedy , Crime
Original language
English
Studio
Focus Features
Budget
$15M
Based on
Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is BlacKkKlansman About?

The premise of BlacKkKlansman without spoilers, adapted from Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In the early 1970s, Ron Stallworth, Colorado Springs’ first African-American detective, embarks on a bold and dangerous mission. He successfully infiltrates the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, posing as a white sympathizer. With the help of a fellow officer, he navigates the treacherous world of white supremacists, exposing their hateful beliefs and disrupting their efforts to normalize racism and gain wider acceptance.

BlacKkKlansman Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • ku klux klan
  • white supremacy
  • racism
  • racist cop
  • black power
  • 1970s
  • reference to o.j. simpson
  • reference to heather heyer
  • white power
  • afro
  • arrest
  • reference to jackie robinson
+38 more
  • redneck
  • volkswagen bug
  • reference to cybill shepherd
  • african american
  • reference to pam grier
  • reference to angela davis
  • confederate flag
  • racial slur
  • race relations
  • compound word in title
  • documentary footage
  • star of david necklace
  • reference to richard nixon
  • police detective
  • charlottesville virginia
  • politics
  • jew
  • activist
  • reference to woodrow wilson
  • dutch angle
  • archive footage
  • detective
  • based on true story
  • integration
  • cheese dip
  • kwame ture character
  • stokely carmichael character
  • reference to sammy davis jr.
  • reference to willie mays
  • reference to archie bunker
  • explosion
  • reference to tamara dobson
  • reference to richard roundtree
  • firing range
  • demonstration
  • reference to ron o'neal
  • split screen
  • husband wife relationship
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Cast & crew

BlacKkKlansman Cast & Characters

John David Washington leads the cast as Ron Stallworth, with Corey Hawkins as Kwame Ture and Laura Harrier as Patrice Dumas. Directed by Spike Lee; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in BlacKkKlansman

· 13 more
From the director

More from Spike Lee

More films directed by Spike Lee, best-rated first: David Byrne’s American Utopia, Do the Right Thing, Pass Over and When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.

Full filmography
Ratings

BlacKkKlansman Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave BlacKkKlansman 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 90/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (80).

90 /100

BlacKkKlansman Echo Score Breakdown

BlacKkKlansman presents a compelling examination of extremism through assured direction and engaging performances. Reviews highlight the film’s timely commentary and powerful emotional impact, praising its balance of humor and drama alongside well-crafted storytelling. Viewers consistently note striking imagery and cohesive production design that reinforce the narrative’s intensity. One dissenting perspective found the tonal shifts uneven, but most assessments emphasize its resonance and enduring relevance. The film leaves a lasting impression with its potent social critique.

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

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits confident direction and polished cinematography. Observers commend the use of dynamic lighting and strategic camera angles that heighten tension and period authenticity. The production design is noted for its faithful 1970s recreation and seamless set environments. Overall, the visual execution effectively supports the film’s thematic intensity.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are widely praised for depth and nuance. Critics highlight strong leads whose portrayals blend humor and empathy, and several notes commend the ensemble’s chemistry and emotional resonance. The film’s character arcs are considered engaging and believable. Ultimately, the acting and emotional clarity anchor the narrative’s impact.

  • Story & Flow 88

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative is lauded for its blend of dramatic tension and comedic elements. Observers describe the pacing as measured and the plot as engaging, noting its originality in using historical events to comment on contemporary issues. A few find the tonal shifts uneven. Overall, the storyline maintains strong momentum and relevance.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s visual style and sound design receive consistent praise. Observers note the cohesive integration of the score and ambient audio, complemented by precise sound editing that heightens key sequences. The visual palette is described as crisp and evocative. In sum, the film delivers an immersive audiovisual experience that reinforces its narrative goals.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film is noted for its layered metaphors and thematic density that invite subsequent viewings. Critics and viewers alike point to memorable sequences and nuanced dialogue that reveal additional depth over time. While some tonal contrasts may distract on repeat, most find renewed engagement in its historical parallels. The film’s lasting appeal encourages multiple viewings.

Plot

BlacKkKlansman Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in BlacKkKlansman from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the early 1970s, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) breaks barriers by becoming the first African American police officer in the Colorado Springs, Colorado police department. His initial role in the records room exposes him to the harsh realities of racism, facing slurs from his colleagues. Seeking a more impactful role, Stallworth requests to go undercover and is given the challenging task of infiltrating a local rally featuring the influential civil rights leader Kwame Ture (Corey Hawkins), born Stokely Carmichael. The police are apprehensive, fearing that Ture’s presence could incite local African Americans to advocate fiercely for their civil rights.

Full summary

The whole story of BlacKkKlansman, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

BlacKkKlansman Box Office & Budget

BlacKkKlansman grossed $93.4 million worldwide on a $15 million budget, 6.2 times what it cost. $49.3 million came from the US and Canada and $44.1 million (47%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$93.4M

6.2× its budget

US & Canada
$49.3M
International
$44.1M
Budget
$15M
US & Canada 53% Rest of the world 47%
Awards

BlacKkKlansman Awards & Nominations

BlacKkKlansman won 1 Oscar, including Writing (Adapted Screenplay), and 3 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Oscars 2019, with 1 win from 6 nominations.

3 wins25 nominations8 ceremonies

Show all 8 ceremonies
Videos

BlacKkKlansman Trailers & Videos

18 videos: 2 trailers, 4 teasers and 12 clips.

All 18 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Extended Trailer
  • Teaser BlacKkKlansman - 30'' PHONE Spot - In Cinemas August 24
  • Teaser BlacKkKlansman - 30'' JOIN Spot - In Cinemas August 24
  • Teaser BlacKkKlansman - 30'' POWER Spot - In Cinemas August 24
Quiz

How Well Do You Know BlacKkKlansman?

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

Question 1 of 10

  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
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the first African American officer in the Colorado Springs police department?
Cars

Cars in BlacKkKlansman

22 cars on screen, including the 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle Typ 1 and the 1972 Chevrolet C-Series.

All 22 cars
  • 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle Typ 1 in BlacKkKlansman 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle Typ 1 Main role
  • 1972 Chevrolet C-Series in BlacKkKlansman 1972 Chevrolet C-Series Important role
  • 1971 Chevrolet Nova in BlacKkKlansman 1971 Chevrolet Nova Important role
  • 1973 Dodge Coronet in BlacKkKlansman 1973 Dodge Coronet Important role
Details

BlacKkKlansman Also Known As

40 alternative titles, including “Black Klansman” and “Infiltrado del KKKlan”.

Also known as
  • Black Klansman
  • Infiltrado del KKKlan
  • BlacKkKlansman: J'ai infiltré le Ku Klux Klan
  • Csuklyások - BlacKkKlansman
  • 黑白三K黨
  • بلاكككلنزمن
  • بلکککلنزمن
  • 블랙클랜스맨
  • Czarne bractwo. BlacKkKlansman
  • Infiltrado en el KKKlan
  • Crni klanovac
  • BlacKkKlansman : J'ai infiltré le Ku Klux Klan
+28 more
  • Чёрный клановец
  • Karanlıkla Karşı Karşıya
  • Η Παρείσφρηση
  • Черният клан
  • שחור על לבן
  • Infiltrado Na Klan
  • Csuklyások
  • BlacKkKlansman: O Infiltrado
  • Чорний куклукскланівець
  • Agent provoKkKator
  • Opération infiltration
  • BlacKkKlansman: Must mees klannis
  • El infiltrado del KKKlan
  • 黑色党徒
  • 黑色黨徒
  • Melnais KKKlanmens
  • Juodaodis klano narys
  • 臥底天王, შავი კუკლუქსკლანელი
  • Црнац у Кју Клукс Клану
  • Črni KKKlanovec
  • ブラック・クランズマン
  • Hội Kín KKK
  • แบล็คแคลนซ์แมน
  • Crni član KKKlana
  • رجل الكو كلوكس كلان الأسود
  • ब्लैक क्लैंसमैन
  • Црниот Кју-Клукс-клановец
  • Infiltrat al KKKlan

Seen BlacKkKlansman?
More like this

Movies Like BlacKkKlansman

Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Black Klansman, The Klansman and Black Legion.

FAQ

BlacKkKlansman FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of BlacKkKlansman, each answered in a sentence.

How long is BlacKkKlansman?

BlacKkKlansman runs 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes).

When was BlacKkKlansman released?

BlacKkKlansman was released on August 10, 2018.

Who directed BlacKkKlansman?

BlacKkKlansman was directed by Spike Lee.

More films by Spike Lee

Who is in the cast of BlacKkKlansman?

BlacKkKlansman stars John David Washington as Ron Stallworth, Corey Hawkins as Kwame Ture and Laura Harrier as Patrice Dumas, among 17 credited actors.

How much did BlacKkKlansman make at the box office?

BlacKkKlansman grossed $93.4 million worldwide ($49.3 million domestic, $44.1 million international) on a budget of $15 million.

How is BlacKkKlansman rated?

BlacKkKlansman has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75% on TMDB and 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.

Is BlacKkKlansman based on a book?

Yes. BlacKkKlansman is partly adapted from Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth.

What awards did BlacKkKlansman win?

BlacKkKlansman won 3 awards from 25 nominations, including Writing (Adapted Screenplay) at the Oscars 2019.

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