The First Circle (1992): cast, story & where to watch

1992 · Film · ★ 4.8

The First Circle poster

Released in 1992, The First Circle is a thriller and tv movie film directed by Sheldon Larry, running about 180 minutes.

What it’s about. In the USSR, political prisoners who were scientists were not always sent to GULAG, but also to The First Circle (named after Dante's Inferno), a special incarceration unit near Moscow where they could work for the government.

Who’s in it. The First Circle stars Robert Powell as Gleb Nershin, Dominic Raacke as Nikolaj Schtschagow, Günther Maria Halmer as Wladimir Tschelnow and F. Murray Abraham as Stalin, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.8/10, The First Circle has proved divisive with audiences.

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

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

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The First Circle (1992)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The First Circle change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The First Circle worth watching?
The First Circle holds an audience score of 4.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The First Circle?
The First Circle stars Robert Powell, Dominic Raacke, Günther Maria Halmer, F. Murray Abraham and David Hewlett.
When was The First Circle released?
The First Circle was released in 1992, with a runtime of about 180 minutes.