Year: 1994
Runtime: 141 min
Language: English
Director: Phillip Noyce
Budget: $62M
CIA Deputy Director Jack Ryan investigates the murder of a businessman, uncovering a conspiracy linked to Colombian cartels. His pursuit of the truth leads him into a dangerous world of political maneuvering and covert operations. Facing escalating threats and risking his career and personal safety, Ryan must expose the powerful forces at play and bring them to justice.
Get a spoiler-free look at Clear and Present Danger (1994) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where the line between diplomatic discourse and clandestine warfare blurs, the United States finds itself entangled in a shadowy conflict that stretches from the marble halls of Capitol Hill to the verdant hills of South America. The stakes are invisible to the public eye, yet the consequences ripple through every level of government, intelligence agencies, and the fragile societies caught in the crossfire. The film’s tone is a tightly wound political thriller, humming with the low‑key urgency of covert meetings, encrypted communications, and the ever‑present hum of surveillance that never quite lets the characters relax.
Jack Ryan steps into the spotlight as a newly appointed Deputy Director of Intelligence, a man whose reputation for analytical brilliance is matched only by his reluctant willingness to step out from behind a desk. When a prominent businessman’s murder draws the attention of the CIA, Ryan is tasked with peeling back the layers of a seemingly isolated crime that hints at a far‑reaching network of illicit activity. His methodical nature and moral compass make him both an asset and a target as he navigates a labyrinth of bureaucratic red tape and hidden agendas.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an entrenched drug trade that reaches up into the highest echelons of power. Behind closed doors, senior officials and covert operatives maneuver to shape policy, launch secret missions, and protect national interests, all while keeping the public in the dark. The atmosphere is thick with tension, as whispers of covert units and off‑the‑books operations suggest that the true battle is being fought far from the public gaze, where alliances shift as quickly as the jungle canopy.
As Ryan pursues the truth, he must balance his duty to his country with the personal risks that come with confronting forces that would rather the darkness stay untouched. The film invites the audience to wonder whether a single man, armed with conviction and intelligence, can unravel a conspiracy that threatens to swallow his career—and his life—whole, leaving the outcome as uncertain as the murky waters of the conflict itself.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:33
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.
Intense thrillers about lone heroes uncovering systemic corruption from within.If you liked the tense, high-stakes betrayal in Clear and Present Danger, this collection features similar movies where a single hero uncovers a dangerous conspiracy from within their own organization. These stories deliver a gripping, urgent atmosphere of political intrigue and moral conflict.
The narrative typically follows a methodical investigation that escalates into a life-or-death struggle. The protagonist's initial trust in the system is shattered, forcing them to work in the shadows, unsure of who to trust. The climax often involves a pyrrhic victory where the immediate threat is stopped, but the larger, corrupt system remains largely intact.
These films are grouped by their shared tone of tense paranoia, high emotional weight stemming from betrayal, and fast-paced plots centered on political conspiracies. They create a cohesive experience of isolation and moral urgency against a backdrop of powerful, unethical forces.
Stories where the hero wins the battle but the war feels lost.Fans of the poignant, complex ending of Clear and Present Danger will appreciate these films. They deliver satisfying action and resolution but leave you with a heavy, thoughtful feeling about the cost of victory and the persistence of corruption, offering a more realistic and impactful conclusion.
These stories often follow a classic heroic arc, but subvert the typical 'happily ever after' conclusion. The protagonist pays a significant personal or moral price. While the villain may be defeated, the narrative emphasizes that the environment that created them is unchanged, leading to an ending that feels more realistic than celebratory.
They share a specific emotional mix: the satisfaction of a hard-won climax combined with the melancholic acknowledgement of enduring problems. This creates a distinct, memorable viewing experience that prioritizes emotional resonance and thematic depth over pure escapism.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Clear and Present Danger 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 Clear and Present Danger is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Clear and Present Danger, 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 Clear and Present Danger with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Clear and Present Danger. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Clear and Present Danger: 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 Clear and Present Danger 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.
Clear and Present Danger (1994) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Clear and Present Danger (1994) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Clear and Present Danger (1994) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Clear and Present Danger – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Non-Stop (2014) Story Summary & Characters
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown
Spy Game (2001) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Executive Decision (1996) Full Summary & Key Details
The Hunt for Red October (1990) Full Movie Breakdown
The Sum of All Fears (2002) Full Summary & Key Details
Patriot Games (1992) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Air Force One (1997) Complete Plot Breakdown
Collateral Damage (2002) Story Summary & Characters
Behind Enemy Lines (2001) Full Movie Breakdown
Dangerous (2021) Film Overview & Timeline
ExPatriot (2017) Story Summary & Characters
The President’s Man: A Line in the Sand (2002) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Assassination (1987) Film Overview & Timeline
Center of the Web (1992) Plot Summary & Ending Explained