Basic Instinct
User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 45
  3. Negative: 8 out of 45

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  1. BShea423
    Mar 20, 2011
    2
    I felt like I was watching a porno, with the same production value and cheap plot. The sex scenes were entirely over the top, and the movie was extremely predictable. Pretty much a waste of 2 hours.
  2. Theguyoffire
    Nov 6, 2012
    3
    Basic instinct is just like watching porn. The characters are so stupid and the plot itself is horrible. It felt as if they just wanted to put nudity and sex in it so that they could make us watch people have sex. Well if you are into good movies. Don't see this one. Even Bad boys 2 is better. However if you are into boring, uninspired acting, mediocrity, and just down right bad. I recommend this to you.… Expand
  3. Jack
    May 9, 2003
    3
    Feh... cheap lurid thrills.
  4. YoonC.
    Sep 14, 2003
    2
    Basically stinks. Glossy thriller porn with sterile, mindnumbing results. The film's main notoriety revolved around beating about Stone's bush.
  5. PatC.
    Jan 10, 2004
    2
    Nicely assembled movie built with substandard parts. This is about pure compulsion, not instinct. A man with the instinct of an ant would have run the other way. Men instinctively breathe, eat, drink, and pursue sexual gratification. But apparently the most basic instinct is to behave like a clueless moron. That's what happens when you advertise sex and smoking at the same time - way to go Sharon. I'm not buying ice cubes either. I saw it in The Other Side of Midnight, but it must be one of those crazy California things now. … Expand
  6. TonyB.
    Feb 12, 2006
    2
    Glossy trash with not a believable minute in it, "Basic Instinct" attracted customers who should have spent their money more wisely. The dance hall scene, so over the top, is a scream!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
34 out of 100

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 8 out of 20
  1. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Rita Kempley
    20
    What we have here is a movie with not just one, but a family pack of psychos.
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  2. The New Republic
    Reviewed by: Stanley Kauffmann
    20
    It's just one more dunk in the slime pit of exploitation. [13 Apr 1992, p.26]
  3. Time
    Reviewed by: Richard Schickel
    50
    This reflects its fundamental flaw of arrogance, a smug faith in the ability of its own speed, smartness and luxe to wow the yokels. [23 Mar 1992, p.65]
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