The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs Image
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Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 171 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster
  • Summary: In pursuit of one serial killer, ambitious FBI student Clarice Starling (Foster) is forced to enlist the aid of another notorious killer, the incarcerated ex-psychiatrist known as "Hannibal the Cannibal" Lecter (Hopkins).

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    100
    The superbly crafted suspense thriller…slams you like a sudden blast of bone-chilling, pulse-pounding terror.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Judy Stone
    100
    The interplay between Starling and Lector as they share an indefinable, dark understanding gives the film its unforgettable and unsettling power. [14 February 1991, Daily Notebook, p.E1]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The New Republic
    Reviewed by: Stanley Kauffmann
    70
    Demme's pacing is tight throughout, marred only by some low-angle close-ups of the cannibal that are right out of old Vincent Price thrillers. [Feb 18, 1991]
    All this critic's reviews
  4. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Gene Siskel
    50
    Billed as one of the most frightening, depraved films ever made. Would that it were so. Instead, this is a case of much ado about nothing. [15 February 1991, Friday, p.C]
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See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 47
  3. Negative: 2 out of 47
  1. AtTheMovies
    10
    A fantastic, haunting experience. You won't be scared in the traditional horror movie sense, but you will be terrified in the psychological horror sense. Anthony Hopkins is absolutely haunting as Hannibal Lecter, and he pulls the roll off very well. A classic movie that no sane person will want to miss. It may be slow, but your attention will not be lost. One of the best films of the last 50 years, easily.… Expand
  2. RDalvi
    8
    Very suspenseful. however, it is not scary. Also, it does not have that much gruesome violent scenes as its sequel hannibal.
  3. ChrisFarnworth
    7
    I thought I would watch this movie throughout the day as the trailer made it looked like it would scare the hell out of me however this movie was much more creepy than scary. Obviously Anthony Hopkins stole the show as Hannibal, it was strange as the movie went on I wanted him to escape. For me I preferred the scenes with Hannibal in to "Buffalo Bill" but Jodie Foster played a good Clarice Starling with excellent chemistry with Lecter. Overall I would give the movie 7/10 but as it was realised in 1991 I can understand why it… Expand
  4. grandpajoe6191
    4
    "The Silence of the Lambs" is definitely a overrated movie. The character development is hurried and cannot focus on either characters. Anthony Hopkins is perfect for the sadistic killer, but his role was a foolish one. The story is linear and the movie ends with a surprisingly corny ending with **** optimism. It's just plain terrible.… Expand

See all 47 User Reviews

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