Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Steven Spielberg's irresistible true-crime chase film pits a teenage master of disguise against a dogged FBI agent in a globe-trotting battle of wits.

Catch Me If You Can - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Catch Me If You Can
  • Release Year: 2002
  • Directed by: Steven Spielberg
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Crime
  • Age Rating (US): PG-13
  • Runtime: 2h 21m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English, French
  • Release Date (Theatrical): December 16, 2002 (Romania - 15), December 25, 2002 (United States - PG-13), January 2, 2003 (Canada - 18A), January 31, 2003 (United Kingdom - 12A), January 29, 2003 (Germany - 6), February 12, 2003 (France - TP), January 9, 2003 (Australia - M), February 24, 2003 (Brazil - 12), January 1, 2003 (Mexico - B), January 31, 2003 (Italy), January 24, 2003 (Spain - 7), January 24, 2003 (South Korea - 15), April 11, 2003 (China)
  • Alternative Titles: Спіймай мене, якщо зможеш (UA), Catch Me If You Can (KR), Поймай меня, если сможешь (RU), Prenda-Me se For Capaz (BR), Arrête-moi si tu peux (FR), 神鬼交锋 (TW), 逍遥法外 (CN), Злаві мяне, калі зможаш (BY)
  • Production Companies: Kemp Company, Splendid Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Parkes+MacDonald Production
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Catch Me If You Can - Plot

A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent makes it his mission to put him behind bars. But Frank not only eludes capture, he revels in the pursuit.

Catch Me If You Can - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the thrilling cat-and-mouse chase begin:

The true story of a real fake.

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Catch Me If You Can - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Steven Spielberg

Main Cast

  • Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Tom Hanks
  • Christopher Walken
  • Martin Sheen
  • Nathalie Baye
  • Amy Adams
  • James Brolin
  • Brian Howe
  • Frank John Hughes
  • Steve Eastin

Writers

  • Jeff Nathanson

Producers

  • Steven Spielberg
  • Walter F. Parkes

Catch Me If You Can - FAQs

Is Catch Me If You Can based on a true story?

Yes, the film is based on the real life of Frank Abagnale Jr., who claimed to have successfully impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer while committing extensive check fraud before the age of 21. His story was detailed in his 1980 memoir of the same name.

Where can you stream Catch Me If You Can?

Catch Me If You Can is available to stream on Paramount Plus Essential. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free viewing options include YouTube Free (with ads), Kanopy, and Hoopla.

Who plays Frank Abagnale Jr. in the film?

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale Jr., the charismatic young con artist at the center of the story. Tom Hanks co-stars as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, the determined investigator who spends years trying to bring Frank to justice. Christopher Walken plays Frank's father.

What is Catch Me If You Can about?

The film follows Frank Abagnale Jr., who before turning 19 successfully impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a legal prosecutor while cashing millions in fraudulent checks. FBI agent Carl Hanratty relentlessly pursues him across continents in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase built on charm, deception, and identity.

Did Catch Me If You Can win any awards?

The film received two Academy Award nominations: Best Supporting Actor for Christopher Walken and Best Original Score for John Williams. It also earned Golden Globe nominations and was widely praised for DiCaprio's and Hanks's performances. John Williams's jazz-inflected score was considered among his most distinctive work.

How long is Catch Me If You Can?

Catch Me If You Can has a runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes (141 minutes). Despite its length, the film moves at a brisk, energetic pace driven by Steven Spielberg's confident direction and the compelling dynamic between DiCaprio and Hanks.

What is the age rating for Catch Me If You Can?

Catch Me If You Can is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects some sexual content, brief language, and thematic elements involving fraud and deception. It is generally considered appropriate for teenagers and older audiences.

How was Catch Me If You Can received by critics?

The film was very well received, earning strong praise for its performances, Spielberg's direction, and John Williams's score. On Rotten Tomatoes it holds an approval rating above 96%, with critics highlighting its breezy charm, emotional depth, and the electric chemistry between DiCaprio and Hanks.

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