The Assassin (1961): cast, story & where to watch

1961 · Film · ★ 7.1

The Assassin poster

Released in 1961, The Assassin is a thriller, crime and mystery film directed by Elio Petri, running about 97 minutes.

What it’s about. Suave antiques dealer Alfredo Martelli is picked up by the police with no justification. At the precinct, Martelli realizes what the investigation is all about-- that he is the main suspect in the killing of his wealthy ex-lover. Is he guilty, or is he just a sleaze?

Who’s in it. The Assassin stars Marcello Mastroianni as Alfredo Martelli, Micheline Presle as Adalgisa De Matteis, Cristina Gaïoni as Antonella Nogara and Salvo Randone as Commissario Palumbo, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, The Assassin has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Assassin page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Assassin tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Assassin (1961)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Assassin change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Assassin worth watching?
The Assassin holds an audience score of 7.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, crime and mystery. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Assassin?
The Assassin stars Marcello Mastroianni, Micheline Presle, Cristina Gaïoni, Salvo Randone and Andrea Checchi.
When was The Assassin released?
The Assassin was released in 1961, with a runtime of about 97 minutes.