Year: 1973
Runtime: 143 min
Language: English
Director: Fred Zinnemann
A shadowy organization recruits a professional assassin, known only as the Jackal, to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. As the Jackal systematically eliminates anyone who stands in his way, French detective Claude Lebel launches a desperate race against time to track him down and prevent the attack. The pursuit becomes a tense and dangerous game of cat and mouse, with the fate of a nation hanging in the balance.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Day of the Jackal (1973) 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 the uneasy calm of early‑1960s France, the nation still feels the tremor of a far‑reaching conflict. Politics are a delicate dance, and the very symbols of the Republic move through a landscape haunted by the specter of dissent. Amid this charged atmosphere, the country’s leader carries the weight of both history and an uncertain future, while the streets echo with whispers of conspiracies that could shatter the fragile peace.
Jackal, a phantom in the world of clandestine killing, has been summoned by a shadowy collective that thrives on chaos. Though his true name remains unknown, his reputation is built on precision, anonymity, and an unsettling calm that makes even the most seasoned operatives uneasy. He embodies the cold efficiency of a professional who views his deadly craft as a transaction rather than a crusade, moving through Europe with the quiet confidence of someone who knows every step of his grim itinerary.
Enter Claude Lebel, a seasoned French detective whose career has been marked by dogged determination and an unflinching sense of duty. Hand‑picked to lead the hunt, he is granted extraordinary powers that push him to the edges of bureaucracy and personal endurance. Lebel’s methodical mind clashes with the Jackal’s opaque tactics, setting the stage for a relentless game of cat and mouse where every clue is a potential trap and every moment counts.
The film pulses with a tense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere, blending the sleek professionalism of a spy thriller with the gritty resolve of a police procedural. As the calendar inches toward a day of national celebration, the stakes rise, and both hunter and hunted navigate a maze of hidden motives, layered identities, and the ever‑looming possibility that a single shot could reshape history. The mood is one of mounting suspense, inviting the audience to feel the pressure of a nation holding its breath while two masterful figures circle each other in the shadows.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:16
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Day of the Jackal 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 The Day of the Jackal is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Day of the Jackal, 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 The Day of the Jackal with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like The Day of the Jackal 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.
The Day of the Jackal (1973) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Day of the Jackal (1973) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Day of the Jackal (1973) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Day of the Jackal – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Day of the Jackal (1000) Film Overview & Timeline
The Jackal (1997) Film Overview & Timeline
Mesrine: Killer Instinct (2010) Film Overview & Timeline
The French Detective (1975) Full Summary & Key Details
The Professional (1981) Movie Recap & Themes
Three Days of the Condor (1975) Story Summary & Characters
The Man From Cairo (1953) Full Summary & Key Details
Le Samouraï (1967) Film Overview & Timeline
The Assignment (1997) Full Movie Breakdown
Algiers (1938) Movie Recap & Themes
Mesrine: Killer Instinct (2008) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Unvanquished (1964) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
From Paris with Love (2010) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Jackpot! (1991) Full Summary & Key Details
The Last Deadly Mission (2008) Complete Plot Breakdown