Year: 1982
Runtime: 96 min
Language: English
Director: Walter Hill
A hardened, rule-bending cop, Jack Cates, secures the release of convict Reggie Hammond for 48 hours to track down a dangerous criminal. The unlikely pair, a wisecracking bank robber and a volatile police officer, must work together as they chase a ruthless killer across San Francisco. Their contrasting personalities and methods create friction while they pursue a half-million-dollar reward and seek justice, facing danger and unexpected complications every step of the way.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen 48 Hrs. yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Explore the full timeline and setting of 48 Hrs. (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
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Meet the key characters of 48 Hrs. (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
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Explore the central themes of 48 Hrs. (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Unlikely allies forced to work together on a tense, dangerous mission.If you liked the volatile chemistry between Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy in 48 Hrs., you'll enjoy these movies. This list features films where a pair of clashing personalities must overcome their differences during a fast-paced, high-stakes chase, blending tense action with sharp, character-driven humor.
The narrative follows a linear, urgent mission that forces two opposites to collaborate. The plot is propelled by a series of action set-pieces, with the evolving dynamic between the leads serving as the emotional core. While the external threat is resolved, the partnership often ends on a bittersweet or unresolved note.
These movies are grouped by their central 'odd couple' dynamic set against a backdrop of crime or pursuit. They share a specific tone that balances tense, gritty action with cynical, witty dialogue, creating a unique blend of excitement and humor driven by character conflict.
Fast-paced, tense chases through a hostile urban landscape.Fans of the gritty, fast-paced urban chase in 48 Hrs. will find similar vibes here. This collection highlights crime thrillers from the 70s and 80s that capture a raw, tense atmosphere, focusing on police work, fugitive pursuits, and the hostile energy of the city streets.
The narrative is a straightforward, linear pursuit of a criminal goal or target. The journey is a tour through the city's darker sides—back alleys, bars, and rundown neighborhoods. The plot is driven by action and confrontation, with a focus on survival and gritty realism over complex plotting.
These films are united by a specific mood and setting: a tense, gritty, and action-packed view of urban crime. They share a high-intensity, fast-paced feel and a world-worn, cynical perspective on justice and violence within the city landscape.
Don't stop at just watching — explore 48 Hrs. in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 48 Hrs. is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of 48 Hrs., including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of 48 Hrs. with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of 48 Hrs. that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 48 Hrs.: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like 48 Hrs. that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
48 Hrs. (1982) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
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48 Hrs. (1982) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
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