Black Sunday

Year: 1977

Runtime: 143 min

Language: English

Director: John Frankenheimer

AdventureDramaThrillerCrime

Haunted by his experiences in Vietnam, Michael Lander descends into instability and joins forces with Palestinian terrorist Dahlia. Together, they plot a devastating attack at the Super Bowl, threatening thousands of lives. As Lander's sanity deteriorates, Israeli agent Kabakov and the FBI race against time to uncover the conspiracy and prevent a catastrophic event.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Black Sunday 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!

Timeline & Setting – Black Sunday (1977)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Sunday (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Beirut, Lebanon, Los Angeles, California, Washington, D.C., Mojave Desert, Miami, Florida

The movie unfolds in various significant locations, starting in Beirut, Lebanon, known for its rich history and as a hub of Middle Eastern conflict. The plot then transitions to Los Angeles, where iconic landmarks play a role, and Washington, D.C., the heart of American politics. Other notable settings include the Mojave Desert, highlighting its desolation, and Miami, a vibrant city caught in the crossfire of terror.

🌍 Locations 🏙️ Cities 🇱🇧 Lebanon 🇺🇸 USA

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Main Characters – Black Sunday (1977)

Meet the key characters of Black Sunday (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Major Themes – Black Sunday (1977)

Explore the central themes of Black Sunday (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

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Movies like Black Sunday with a race-against-time terror plot

Frantic efforts to stop a catastrophic attack on a public event.If you liked the high-pressure chase in Black Sunday, this list features similar thrillers focused on stopping a terrorist attack. These movies share a tense, fast-paced narrative where agents or heroes work against the clock to prevent a mass-casualty event at a major public gathering, creating a palpable sense of suspense and dread.

tensesuspensefulanxiousruthlesschaoticdesperateparanoid

Narrative Summary

This narrative pattern follows a clear, high-stakes conflict: a devastating terrorist plot is set in motion, and a dedicated individual or team must uncover the conspiracy and intervene before it's too late. The story unfolds in a linear, chronological fashion, often cross-cutting between the meticulous plans of the antagonists and the frantic, investigative efforts of the protagonists. The climax is typically a nail-biting confrontation at the final moment.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their core premise: a specific, large-scale threat that creates an overarching countdown. They share a fast pace, high intensity, and a tense, often grim tone. The emotional experience is defined by anxiety and the desperate hope that the heroes will succeed against overwhelming odds.

Thrillers with psychologically unstable characters like in Black Sunday

Where psychological instability fuels a high-stakes criminal or terrorist plot.This list is for viewers who enjoyed the complex character of Michael Lander in Black Sunday. It features thrillers and dramas where a protagonist's deep-seated trauma or mental instability becomes a catalyst for, or central component of, a dangerous criminal or terrorist conspiracy, resulting in a tense and emotionally heavy viewing experience.

grimunsettlingpsychologicaltensetragicdesperateparanoid

Narrative Summary

The journey typically follows a character grappling with significant psychological wounds—often from war, loss, or past trauma—who becomes entangled in a grand, violent scheme. Their instability makes them both a pawn and a wildcard, increasing the plot's volatility. The story explores the manipulation of this fragility by more calculated antagonists, leading to a climax where the character's breakdown is as much a threat as the external conspiracy.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their deep focus on a psychologically compromised central character whose personal demons are intrinsically linked to the main plot. They share a heavy emotional weight, tense tone, and often explore themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of untreated trauma in a high-pressure environment.

Unlock the Full Story of Black Sunday

Don't stop at just watching — explore Black Sunday 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 Black Sunday is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Black Sunday Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Black Sunday, 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.

Black Sunday Timeline

Track the full timeline of Black Sunday with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Black Sunday Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Black Sunday 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.

More About Black Sunday

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Black Sunday: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Black Sunday

Discover movies like Black Sunday 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.