48 HRS.

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3:03

48 HRS.

R

1983

1h 35m

Action

Comedy

Mystery & Thriller

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

52 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Renegade cop Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) pulls bank robber Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) from a federal prison on a 48-hour leave to help him capture Hammond's old partner, Albert Ganz (James Remar). Having escaped from a prison work crew, Ganz is on a killing spree around San Francisco, on the trail of half a million dollars that went missing after one of his robberies. The cocky Reggie knows where the money is, but spars with the hotheaded Jack as he enjoys his temporary freedom.

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Critics Consensus

Marking an auspicious feature film debut for Eddie Murphy, 48 Hrs. is a briskly paced action comedy that succeeds largely due to the outstanding chemistry between its two leads.

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

Mar 30, 2023

Totally kinetic and visual, "48 HRS." is a constant excitement.

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Desmond Ryan

Philadelphia Inquirer

Mar 30, 2023

2/4

Has the look of a movie that was thrown together in a couple of days and its only claim to attention is the contribution of a refugee from "Saturday Night Live."

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Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

Dec 7, 2022

A quick and clever thriller as nasty as a piece of shrapnel snapping the sound barrier.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Dec 7, 2024

[Walter] Hill injects larger-than-life personalities into the characters, a rollicking sense of humor to the situation and a gritty edge to the action.

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Casey Chong

Casey's Movie Mania

Jul 4, 2024

5/5

Eddie Murphy’s fast-talking, street-smart hustler Reggie Hammond pairs well with Nick Nolte’s no-nonsense, grizzled cop Jack Cates.

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Mitchell Beaupre

Paste Magazine

Sep 29, 2023

8.5/10

The film never shies away from the thornier elements that develop in this story, refusing to be sanded down by studio notes to become something more palatable for mainstream audiences.

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Gunner I

@RT64755212 Oct 7, 2026

This movie is absolutely fantastic. I cannot believe it took me 44 years to watch it. I will definitely accuse this movie of being one of my all time favorites and encourage any who has not seen it to watch it. Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte are great together.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 7, 2026

I know alot of people that did not like this movie but it is worthy of 4.0 star movie!

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bruce F

@bruce999 Aug 14, 2026

over -rated. i get tired of watching rude characters....like nolte. has a little charm. i'm not sure if i like this movie.... i know..., then who do i ask ? anyway -i'd skip this one

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Vincent S

@Vin_E_At_The_Movies Jun 14, 2026

The standard bearer of all Buddy Cop Movies and a major superstar is born! One of Nolte’s best performances plus exciting, crisp, incredible action scenes by the Master Walter Hill. Then there is Eddie Murphy who owns the screen every minute! The running time is perfect! Not too long, just perfect.

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Jason H

@RT50328122 May 22, 2026

I was shocked by how sexist this movie is.

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Morgan N

@M.K.Nimmo Apr 30, 2026

48 Hrs. is a lean, stylish action-comedy that knows exactly what it wants to be. The cinematography has a gritty, grounded feel that fits the story perfectly, never trying to look flashier than it needs to. The film’s simplicity is one of its biggest strengths, it isn’t overdone, and that restraint keeps it sharp and engaging. Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy carry the movie with fantastic performances. Their chemistry is electric, balancing tension and humor in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Murphy’s charisma plays perfectly off Nolte’s rough edge. It’s a perfect example of straightforward, effective filmmaking done right. I gave it 4 stars for delivering exactly what it promises, with confidence and style.

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Walter Hill

Director

Nick Nolte

Jack Cates

Eddie Murphy

Reggie Hammond

Annette O'Toole

Elaine

Frank McRae

Haden

James Remar

Albert Ganz

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Synopsis

Renegade cop Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) pulls bank robber Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) from a federal prison on a 48-hour leave to help him capture Hammond's old partner, Albert Ganz (James Remar). Having escaped from a prison work crew, Ganz is on a killing spree around San Francisco, on the trail of half a million dollars that went missing after one of his robberies. The cocky Reggie knows where the money is, but spars with the hotheaded Jack as he enjoys his temporary freedom.

Director: Walter Hill
Producer: Lawrence Gordon, Joel Silver
Screenwriter: Roger Spottiswoode, Walter Hill, Larry Gross, Steven E. de Souza
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Comedy, Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 6, 2011
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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