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Action thriller

Nighthawks (1981): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Nighthawks (1981) movie poster

Nighthawks is a 1981 action thriller directed by Bruce Malmuth and Gary Nelson, starring Hilarie Thompson, Rutger Hauer and Sylvester Stallone. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $19.9 million worldwide. Critics gave it 56 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.

IMDb rating
6.3/10
worldwide gross
$19.9M
Metascore
56
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Nighthawks (1981) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Directors
Bruce Malmuth and Gary Nelson
Genres
Action , Thriller , Crime
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Nighthawks About?

The premise of Nighthawks without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Two close friends immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife of New York City, seeking thrills and excitement. However, their pursuit of adventure takes a dark turn when they find themselves facing unexpected danger and a sinister undercurrent lurking beneath the city's glamorous exterior. They must navigate a perilous situation as they confront the risks of their nocturnal pursuits.

Nighthawks Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • stewardess
  • foot chase
  • troubled production
  • discotheque
  • international terrorist
  • terrorist
  • new york city
  • bomb
  • terrorism
  • police shootout
  • serial killer
  • psychopath
+38 more
  • undercover cop
  • tough cop
  • shootout
  • police officer
  • interpol
  • disguise
  • subway
  • hostage
  • undercover
  • violence
  • vietnam war veteran
  • neo noir
  • confetti
  • dance
  • dancing
  • german in usa
  • german in america
  • briton
  • briton in america
  • englishman in america
  • telephone
  • phone booth
  • public telephone
  • pay phone
  • guitar
  • siren
  • fake passport
  • police partner
  • chase
  • passport
  • confession booth
  • warning
  • police chief
  • police department
  • argument
  • ex husband ex wife friendship
  • subway station
  • metro
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Cast & crew

Nighthawks Cast

Hilarie Thompson leads the cast, with Rutger Hauer and Sylvester Stallone. Directed by Bruce Malmuth and Gary Nelson; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the directors

More from Bruce Malmuth and Gary Nelson

More films directed by Bruce Malmuth and Gary Nelson, best-rated first: Freaky Friday, Hard to Kill, The Black Hole and Fugitive Nights: Danger in the Desert.

Ratings

Nighthawks Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Nighthawks 56 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.

Plot

Nighthawks Plot Summary

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

Spoilers ahead

The narrative follows the gripping lives of two NYPD detectives, Det. Sgt. Deke DaSilva and Det. Sgt. Matthew Fox, who undertake undercover operations to combat crime in New York City. The story introduces us to a notorious terrorist, Heymar Reinhardt, also known as Wulfgar, as his ruthless actions unfold.

The film opens on New Year’s Eve 1979, under the cover of darkness, where Deke, disguised as a woman, is involved in a sting operation aimed at capturing muggers targeting the elderly. Deke proves his mettle when he quickly apprehends a thug on the subway after a thrilling chase.

Full summary

The whole story of Nighthawks, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Nighthawks Box Office

Nighthawks grossed $19.9 million worldwide. $14.9 million came from the US and Canada and $5 million (25%) from the rest of the world.

1981 box office

Worldwide gross

$19.9M

US & Canada
$14.9M
International
$5M
US & Canada 75% Rest of the world 25%
Videos

Nighthawks Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

Nighthawks (1981) - Trailer
  • Trailer NIGHTHAWKS - Trailer - (1981) -
  • Trailer Nighthawks ≣ 1981 ≣ Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Nighthawks?

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 marks the beginning of 'Nighthawks'?

Cars

Cars in Nighthawks

37 cars on screen, including the 1965 GMC TDH 4519 and the 1967 GMC TDH 5306 A.

All 37 cars
  • 1965 GMC TDH 4519 in Nighthawks 1965 GMC TDH 4519 Important role
  • 1967 GMC TDH 5306 A in Nighthawks 1967 GMC TDH 5306 A Important role
  • 1975 Plymouth Gran Fury in Nighthawks 1975 Plymouth Gran Fury Important role
  • 1974 Checker Taxicab in Nighthawks 1974 Checker Taxicab Minor role
Details

Nighthawks Also Known As

21 alternative titles, including “Les faucons de la nuit” and “Nachtfalken”.

Also known as
  • Les faucons de la nuit
  • Nachtfalken
  • I falchi della notte
  • Halcones de la noche
  • Ночные ястребы
  • Fantom az éjszakában
  • Noční dravci
  • מרדף אל תוך הלילה
  • Terrorpatruljen
  • Falcões da Noite
  • Gece Şahini
  • ナイトホークス
+9 more
  • Нощни ястреби
  • Nocny jastrząb
  • 나이트호크
  • 夜鹰
  • Nakties paukščiai
  • Kadun haukat, ღამის ქორები
  • Нічні яструби
  • สองคมเฉือนเขี้ยว
  • Noćne ptice

Seen Nighthawks?

FAQ

Nighthawks FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Nighthawks?

Nighthawks runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

When was Nighthawks released?

Nighthawks was released on April 10, 1981.

Who directed Nighthawks?

Nighthawks was directed by Bruce Malmuth and Gary Nelson.

More films by Bruce Malmuth

Who is in the cast of Nighthawks?

Nighthawks stars Hilarie Thompson, Rutger Hauer and Sylvester Stallone, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Nighthawks make at the box office?

Nighthawks grossed $19.9 million worldwide ($14.9 million domestic, $5 million international).

How is Nighthawks rated?

Nighthawks has 6.3/10 on IMDb, 56 on Metacritic and 64% on TMDB.

Does Nighthawks have a post-credit scene?

No. Nighthawks has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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