Year: 2016
Runtime: 90 min
Language: English
Director: Keoni Waxman
CIA/DEA agent Harmon leads a dangerous mission to stop Islamic extremists from smuggling weapons and terrorist leaders into the United States. He utilizes both strategic planning and physical strength to manipulate two opposing factions, turning them against each other. Harmon and his team race against the clock to prevent devastating attacks and protect the country from a deadly plot.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Contract to Kill 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Contract to Kill (2016), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) border patrol agents apprehend two high-ranking terrorists associated with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Daesh, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) uncovers a dangerous scheme in the making. The agency fears that these extremists are covertly negotiating with José Rivera, the ferocious leader of the Sonora Cartel, facilitating the smuggling of terrorists from Mexico into the United States. To thwart this risky operation, former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and CIA Agent John Harmon—a man with a past of dismantling a Sonora compound and eliminating its former head, El Mini Oso—is called into action by CIA intermediary Matt Beck.
Harmon assembles a skilled team, including his former love interest and FBI agent Zara Hayek, renowned for her expertise in surveillance and infiltration, alongside Matthew Sharp, a drone piloting ace. Learning that the secretive meeting between the terrorist coalition and the Sonora Cartel is to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, Harmon’s team goes undercover to surveil the plans of Hezbollah leader Ayan Al-Mujahid and Rivera. Unfortunately, their covert operation is compromised when Al-Mujahid notices Sharp’s drone circling overhead, leading him to terminate the meeting in haste.
In a pulse-pounding sequence that follows, Harmon finds himself in a thrilling car chase and shootout against Al-Mujahid’s henchmen, during which he unveils the nefarious target of the terrorists’ plans: Abdul Rauf, a notorious bomb-maker who instigated the catastrophic downing of a Crimea Airlines plane in Syria. In a twist of fate, Rivera’s accomplices storm Harmon’s safe house, capturing Hayek and taking her into enemy hands. Unwilling to back down, Harmon and Sharp pursue Al-Mujahid to the luxurious Palace Hotel, where an intense confrontation ensues, resulting in the downfall of Al-Mujahid and his crew.
Rivera and Rauf manage to escape to Rivera’s fortress in Rumelifeneri, but Harmon is relentless in his pursuit. In a gripping final showdown, he confronts and vanquishes both Rivera and Rauf, marking a substantial victory for U.S. intelligence efforts. The film wraps up with Harmon reuniting with Hayek, reflecting on the crucial role that operatives like him play in the shadows to protect global security.
Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:40
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.
High-stakes missions where every second counts to prevent catastrophe.If you enjoyed the urgent, high-stakes pacing of Contract to Kill, you'll love these other movies where heroes are in a desperate race to stop a catastrophe. These films are defined by their relentless tension and mission-focused plots, similar to this action-packed thriller.
These narratives are built around a literal or figurative clock, creating linear, propulsive plots focused on a single, critical objective. The structure is often a cascade of escalating obstacles and action sequences, pushing the protagonists to their physical and strategic limits as they work against an imminent threat.
These films are grouped together by their shared engine of suspense: a deadline-driven plot. They consistently generate tension through a clear, urgent goal and prioritize fast-paced action and strategic maneuvering over complex character development or subplots.
Gritty, tactical missions where agents manipulate factions from the shadows.Fans of the tactical, mission-driven spy work in Contract to Kill will appreciate these movies. They feature similar stories of covert operatives using strategy and force to dismantle international threats, perfect for viewers who enjoy practical, action-oriented espionage.
The narrative follows a specialized team or agent on a specific, high-risk assignment, often involving surveillance, infiltration, and direct confrontation. The plot hinges on strategic plays—such as destabilizing enemy alliances—as much as on combat, portraying espionage as a gritty, hands-on profession.
These movies share a focus on the practical execution of a covert mission. They are united by a tone of professional tension, a straightforward plot centered on operational success, and action that feels tactical rather than fantastical.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Contract to Kill 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 Contract to Kill is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Contract to Kill 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 Contract to Kill. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Contract to Kill 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 Contract to Kill: 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 Contract to Kill 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.
Contract to Kill (2016) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Contract to Kill (2016) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Contract to Kill (2016) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Contract to Kill – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Contractor (2022) Complete Plot Breakdown
3 Days to Kill (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown
Hard Kill (2020) Movie Recap & Themes
Kill Ratio (2016) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Kill ’em All (2017) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Contractor (2007) Full Movie Breakdown
The Contract (2006) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Killpoint (1984) Film Overview & Timeline
Mission Kill (1986) Story Summary & Characters
Tough and Deadly (1995) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Contract (1999) Film Overview & Timeline
Contract Killer (1998) Complete Plot Breakdown
Three Days to a Kill (1992) Story Summary & Characters
Contract Killers (2008) Movie Recap & Themes
Direct Contact (2009) Movie Recap & Themes