A Killer in the Family (1983): cast, story & where to watch

1983 · Film · ★ 6.4

A Killer in the Family poster

Released in 1983, A Killer in the Family is a thriller, drama, crime and tv movie film directed by Richard T. Heffron, running about 90 minutes. “A father, his sons and the crime spree that shocked America.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Three teenage boys break their father out of prison only to discover that he is a murderous sociopath. Based on a true story.

Who’s in it. A Killer in the Family stars Robert Mitchum as Gary Tison, James Spader as Donny Tison, Lance Kerwin as Ray Tison and Eric Stoltz as Ricky Tison, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.4/10, A Killer in the Family has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch A Killer in the Family page.

If you liked it. Fans of A Killer in the Family tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch A Killer in the Family (1983)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for A Killer in the Family change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is A Killer in the Family worth watching?
A Killer in the Family holds an audience score of 6.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama, crime and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in A Killer in the Family?
A Killer in the Family stars Robert Mitchum, James Spader, Lance Kerwin, Eric Stoltz and Salome Jens.
When was A Killer in the Family released?
A Killer in the Family was released in 1983, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.