Gridlock (1996)

A New York cop airborne over Manhattan suspects a heist when bridge explosions seal off the island in this 1996 TV action thriller.

Gridlock - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Gridlock
  • Release Year: 1996
  • Directed by: Sandor Stern
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Action, Thriller, Crime, TV Movie
  • Runtime: 1h 27m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): January 14, 1996 (United States)
  • Alternative Titles: 1996終極警探 (CN)

Gridlock - Plot

After explosions destroy all the bridges connecting Manhattan to the rest of New York, the authorities attribute the disaster to a terrorist organization. New York cop Jake Gorki, flying over the Federal Reserve Bank in his helicopter, suspects something else: a robbery.

Where to Watch Gridlock

Looking for where to watch Gridlock?

Gridlock - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Sandor Stern

Main Cast

  • David Hasselhoff
  • Miguel Fernandes
  • Kathy Ireland
  • Götz Otto
  • Marc Strange
  • Tony De Santis
  • Alan Scarfe
  • Derwin Jordan
  • Tom Melissis
  • Jason Blicker

Writers

  • Joe Ferullo

Producers

  • Ian McDougall

Gridlock - FAQs

What is Gridlock (1996) about?

Gridlock follows New York cop Jake Gorski, who is airborne over Manhattan when a series of explosions takes out every bridge connecting the island to the rest of the city. While authorities blame terrorists, Gorski suspects the chaos is cover for a daring heist targeting the Federal Reserve Bank.

Is Gridlock really about a bank robbery?

Yes — the terrorist angle is essentially a smokescreen. The real scheme involves using the bridge explosions to seal off Manhattan and create the perfect conditions for robbing the Federal Reserve Bank. Gorski is the only one who sees through the cover story early enough to act.

Who stars in Gridlock (1996)?

David Hasselhoff leads the cast as detective Jake Gorski, with Kathy Ireland playing Michele Conner and Götz Otto as one of the chief antagonists. Miguel Fernandes, Marc Strange, Alan Scarfe, and Tony De Santis round out a solid ensemble of heroes and villains.

Who directed Gridlock and wrote the screenplay?

Sandor Stern directed Gridlock, bringing a tight, action-driven pace to the TV movie format. The screenplay was written by Joe Ferullo, who crafted the high-concept premise of a city under siege used as cover for an elaborate heist.

Is Gridlock a TV movie or theatrical release?

Gridlock is a TV movie that premiered on January 14, 1996, in the United States. It was produced for television and runs approximately 87 minutes, fitting squarely in the tradition of mid-1990s action TV films that were popular during that era.

What genre is Gridlock (1996)?

Gridlock blends several genres — it's primarily an action thriller with strong crime and drama elements. The heist-behind-a-terrorist-attack premise gives it a cat-and-mouse tension, while the urban setting and helicopter sequences keep the action front and center throughout.

What movies are similar to Gridlock (1996)?

If you enjoyed Gridlock, you might like Stone Cold (2005), Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise (2006), or The Organization (1971) — all crime-driven stories with determined law enforcement protagonists. They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970) and Empire (2002) also share that gritty urban crime energy.

How long is Gridlock (1996)?

Gridlock runs 87 minutes — a lean, efficient runtime that suits its TV movie format perfectly. There's no filler here; the story moves quickly from the opening explosions through to Gorski's race to uncover and stop the real crime before it's too late.

More About Gridlock

Explore further details about Gridlock on these trusted databases.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error