Most Wanted

Most Wanted

Year: 1997

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: David Hogan

ActionThrillerHigh speed and special opsExplosive and action-packed heroes vs. villainsAdrenaline-fueled action and fast cars

When a decorated Marine is sentenced to death row, a covert U.S. military officer pulls him into a clandestine operations unit. Though he follows orders, he soon discovers the team has set him up as the scapegoat for the First Lady’s assassination, forcing him to fight both his enemies and his own conscience.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Most Wanted 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 – Most Wanted (1997)

Trace every key event in Most Wanted (1997) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Dunn given orders in Gulf War

During the Gulf War, Gunnery Sergeant James Dunn is ordered to eliminate an Iraqi courier. He discovers the courier is a ten-year-old boy and refuses the killing. This defies a direct order and triggers a confrontation with his commanding officer.

March 1991 Gulf War theatre (Kuwait/Iraq border)
2

Confrontation and lieutenant's death

During the confrontation, the struggle ends with the accidental death of the lieutenant. Dunn's steadfast refusal sparks charges and puts him at odds with his superiors.

March 1991 On the field
3

Court-martial and murder conviction

Dunn is court-martialed and convicted of murder for the lieutenant's death. He is sent back to the United States to await his death sentence in a military stockade.

1991-1992 United States military stockade
4

Five years later: rescue interrupts transfer to death row

Five years after his capture, a daring rescue interrupts his transfer to death row. An offer to join a clandestine special operations team presents a path to clear his name.

1996
5

Joining the clandestine team led by Grant Casey

Dunn becomes part of an elite squad that operates beyond traditional justice. The team is led by Lieutenant Colonel Grant Casey, and its missions blur the line between legal and illicit.

1996
6

First assignment: Dunn becomes fall guy

Dunn's first assignment with the team is to serve as the patsy for an assassination of the First Lady. The role forces him into a deadly game of deception played by those in power.

1996
7

Search for Dr. Victoria Constantini

The hunt for Dunn intensifies as investigators seek a crucial witness, Dr. Victoria Constantini, who holds video evidence of the incident. Dunn locates her and begins a dangerous effort to keep her safe from the conspirators.

1996
8

Rescue of Constantini and her agreement to help

Dunn rescues Constantini from attackers who bombed her home. She reluctantly agrees to help expose the conspiracy and clear Dunn's name.

1996
9

Pursuit by military and the impersonation twist

The duo are relentlessly pursued by the military under General Adam Woodward, who is revealed to be part of the conspiracy and has impersonated a dead Lt Col. The pursuit escalates as the conspiracy nears its reveal.

1996-1997
10

Uncovering the conspiracy and the vaccine

Dunn and Constantini uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power, implicating Donald Bickhart, CEO of a pharmaceutical giant, and his experimental vaccine, CRC-13. They learn the vaccine was illegally tested on soldiers and that the First Lady was murdered because she pursued these unethical trials.

1996-1997
11

The bounty as a smokescreen

As a smokescreen, Bickhart places a ten million dollar bounty on Dunn's head, applicable to any citizen or officer whether Dunn is captured alive or dead. The bounty highlights the reach of the conspiracy and the danger facing those who seek the truth.

1996-1997
12

Rackmill's alliance and CIA mole suspicion

Dunn finds an ally in CIA Deputy Director Ken Rackmill, who believes in Dunn's innocence. Rackmill suspects a mole within the CIA who colluded with the conspirators to protect themselves and Victoria.

1996-1997
13

Confrontation with Woodward and Braddock

Dunn confronts General Woodward and Col. Alan Braddock to expose the truth. The confrontation becomes a race to reveal the real culprits before they silence the witnesses.

1997

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 11:28

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Most Wanted

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

Most Wanted Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Most Wanted, 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.

Most Wanted Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Most Wanted

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Most Wanted. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Most Wanted

Most Wanted Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Most Wanted 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.

Most Wanted Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Most Wanted

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

More About Most Wanted