The Watcher (2000): cast, story & where to watch
2000 · Film · ★ 5
Released in 2000, The Watcher is a thriller and mystery film directed by Joe Charbanic, running about 96 minutes. “Don't go home alone.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. FBI agent Joel Campbell, burnt-out and shell-shocked after years spent chasing serial killers, flees L.A. to begin a new life for himself in Chicago. But five months later, Joel's best laid plans are abruptly cut short when his new hometown becomes the setting for some particularly gruesome murders--murders that could only have been committed by one man: David Allen Griffin. One of Joel's most elusive and cunning nemeses, Griffin has followed his former pursuer to Chicago in order to play a sadistic game of cat and mouse. Taunting Joel with photographs of his intended victims and leaving his crime scenes meticulously free of clues in order to keep the police at bay, Griffin derives as much pleasure out of watching Joel react to every movement as watching his victims die. But when Griffin moves into Joel's inner circle, Joel must quickly find some way to stop him before someone close to him becomes the next one to die.
Who’s in it. The Watcher stars James Spader as FBI Special Agent Joel Campbell, Keanu Reeves as David Allen Griffin, Marisa Tomei as Dr. Polly Beilman and Ernie Hudson as FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Ibby, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, The Watcher has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Watcher page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Watcher tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Watcher (2000)?
- In US, The Watcher is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Watcher worth watching?
- The Watcher holds an audience score of 5.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Watcher?
- The Watcher stars James Spader, Keanu Reeves, Marisa Tomei, Ernie Hudson and Chris Ellis.
- When was The Watcher released?
- The Watcher was released in 2000, with a runtime of about 96 minutes.