Logo What's After the Movie
FBI agent Will Graham, a specialist in profiling serial killers, is drawn into a disturbing case involving a murderer dubbed "The Tooth Fairy." As he attempts to understand the killer's horrific methods, Graham is forced to confront the memories of his previous, terrifying encounters with the brilliant psychiatrist and cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Reliving those past horrors, Graham must use his unique abilities to prevent the new killer from striking again, while battling the psychological toll the investigation takes on him.

FBI agent Will Graham, a specialist in profiling serial killers, is drawn into a disturbing case involving a murderer dubbed "The Tooth Fairy." As he attempts to understand the killer's horrific methods, Graham is forced to confront the memories of his previous, terrifying encounters with the brilliant psychiatrist and cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Reliving those past horrors, Graham must use his unique abilities to prevent the new killer from striking again, while battling the psychological toll the investigation takes on him.

Does Manhunter have end credit scenes?

No!

Manhunter does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Manhunter

Explore the complete cast of Manhunter, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Manhunter

See how Manhunter is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Manhunter stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

75

Metascore

7.7

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

94%

TOMATOMETER

review

77%

User Score

IMDb

7.2 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

70

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Manhunter Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Manhunter with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Manhunter Quiz: Test your knowledge on the psychological thriller 'Manhunter' and its complex characters and plot twists.

Who plays the role of former FBI profiler Will Graham?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Manhunter

See more

Read the complete plot summary of Manhunter, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Will Graham, played by William Petersen, is a former FBI criminal profiler who has withdrawn from his demanding career following a traumatic encounter with the cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecktor. Now living a quieter life in Florida, Graham is approached by his former FBI superior, Jack Crawford, played by Dennis Farina, who seeks his expertise on a new killer case. Despite promising his wife that he will only review evidence and avoid danger, Graham finds himself drawn into a chilling investigation in Atlanta, where the police have labeled the murderer the “Tooth Fairy” due to the bite marks left on the victims.

As he delves deeper into the case, Graham uncovers the killer’s fingerprints and faces the intrusive tabloid journalist Freddy Lounds. With a bitter personal history between them, Graham’s tension with Lounds rises when they meet. Seeking guidance, Graham visits Lecktor in his prison cell, where he elicits the psychiatrist’s insights on the ongoing case. After an unsettling exchange, Lecktor claims he will look over the case file, but he cunningly extracts Graham’s home address in a deceptive manner.

Graham then journeys to the initial crime scene in Birmingham, Alabama, where he learns from Crawford about Lounds’s sensationalized article on the investigation. During this time, they connect with Frederick Chilton, Lecktor’s warden, who reveals a note from the Tooth Fairy that indicates admiration for Lecktor and interest in Graham. This revelation leads to a visit to the FBI Academy at Quantico, where further analysis discloses a missing portion of the note that instructs communication via the personals section of Lounds’ tabloid.

In a twist of strategy, the FBI deliberately allows Lecktor’s original advertisement to run knowing it would clue the Tooth Fairy into their plans. They orchestrate a meeting with Lounds, providing him with a misleading profile of the killer to provoke a response. However, the operation to catch the Tooth Fairy fails, and Lounds becomes a victim, waking up in the murderer’s lair. Here, he is subjected to a horrific slideshow showcasing William Blake’s The Great Red Dragon paintings alongside the killer’s victims, culminating in a terrifying moment where Lounds records a statement before meeting a gruesome fate.

As the investigation intensifies, Graham discovers that Lecktor’s coded message contains his home address with a chilling directive to harm his family. Rushing back home, Graham finds them safe but shaken. The FBI quickly relocates his family to a secure location, and he attempts to discuss his earlier retirement with his son, Kevin, amidst a mundane grocery trip. Meanwhile, the Tooth Fairy, Francis Dollarhyde, portrayed by Tom Noonan, engages with a blind co-worker, Reba McClane, played by Joan Allen, developing a complicated relationship that both soothes and challenges his violent urges.

Yet, as their bond strengthens, Dollarhyde’s inner conflict surges, leading him to a tragic misunderstanding that escalates into violence. Upon piecing together a connection between the murdered families, Graham and Crawford trace the culprit’s path to a St. Louis film lab. Here, they uncover that Dollarhyde utilized home movies to meticulously plan the killings.

In a dramatic showdown at Dollarhyde’s residence, Graham, armed with newfound insight and police backup, desperately attempts to save Reba. Just as he confronts Dollarhyde, chaos erupts, leading to a life-or-death struggle. With trepidation coursing through him, Graham fights back, ultimately putting an end to the violent menace. With the chaos subsiding, he reflects on the harrowing experience, choosing to embrace a permanent retirement, bringing a weary closure to his tumultuous journey.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Manhunter

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Manhunter. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Cars Featured in Manhunter

See 17 more

Explore all cars featured in Manhunter, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

1981

Caprice Classic

Chevrolet

1968

Corvette C3

Chevrolet

1964

Corvette Sting Ray C2

Chevrolet

1980

Impala

Chrysler

1957

300 C

Dodge

1981

Diplomat

Dodge

1974

Tradesman

Ford

1983

Econoline

Ford

1983

Econoline

Ford

1985

LTD

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


serial killerneo noirprofilerfbi agentred dragonbased on novel1980smurder spreegiallonorth american gialloattempted murderkillercannibalismpsychotronic filmgoregrocery shoppingtoilet paperfellatiothe white house washington d.c.woman in jeopardyman wears eyeglassesfbi federal bureau of investigationprologueflashlightsubjective camerafamily in jeopardysailboatproduct placementpistolsilencerfinal showdowngun battlemercilessnessslow motion scenerescuejail cellprisonerdarknessnear death experiencefeardangerhelicopterswat teambeardcharacter's point of view camera shotfantasy sequencef wordprofanityremadelove

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.