Men in Black (1997)
Barry Sonnenfeld's genre-defining sci-fi buddy comedy that turned alien policing into one of the most entertaining blockbusters of the 1990s.
Men in Black - Movie Information
- Original Title: Men in Black
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 2, 1997 (Canada - PG), July 2, 1997 (United States - PG-13), August 1, 1997 (United Kingdom - 12), September 11, 1997 (Germany - 12), August 6, 1997 (France - 12), September 18, 1997 (New Zealand), September 11, 1997 (Australia - M), July 11, 1997 (Brazil - 12), August 1, 1997 (Mexico - A), October 3, 1997 (Italy - T), July 11, 1997 (Spain - 7), July 12, 1997 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: 맨 인 블랙 1 (KR), Men in black – Miehet mustissa (FI), Faceci w czerni (PL), 黑衣人1 (CN), Люди в черном (RU), メン・イン・ブラック (JP), Gvarim B'Shahor (IL), Adamianebi shavebshi (GE)
- Production Companies: Columbia Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, Parkes+MacDonald Production
- Production Countries: United States of America
Men in Black - Plot
After a police chase with an otherworldly being, a New York City cop is recruited as an agent in a top-secret organization established to monitor and police alien activity on Earth: the Men in Black. Agent K and new recruit Agent J find themselves in the middle of a deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist who has arrived on Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies.
Men in Black - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the action-packed alien-policing adventure unfold:
Protecting the Earth from the scum of the universe.
Where to Watch Men in Black
Looking for where to watch Men in Black?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Men in Black - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Barry Sonnenfeld
Main Cast
- Tommy Lee Jones
- Will Smith
- Linda Fiorentino
- Vincent D'Onofrio
- Rip Torn
- Tony Shalhoub
- Siobhan Fallon Hogan
- Mike Nussbaum
- Jon Gries
- Sergio Calderón
Writers
- Ed Solomon
Producers
- Walter F. Parkes
- Laurie MacDonald
Men in Black - FAQs
Where can you stream Men in Black?
Men in Black is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It is not currently included in a major subscription streaming service in the US, so digital rental is the most accessible option.
Is Men in Black based on a true story?
Men in Black is not based on a true story, but it is adapted from the Marvel Comics series of the same name by Lowell Cunningham, first published in 1990. The comic itself drew loose inspiration from real-world conspiracy theories about mysterious government agents who allegedly silence UFO witnesses.
Who are the main actors in Men in Black?
The film stars Tommy Lee Jones as the veteran Agent K and Will Smith as the street-smart recruit Agent J. The supporting cast includes Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio, Rip Torn, Tony Shalhoub, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Mike Nussbaum, Jon Gries, and Sergio Calderón.
What is Men in Black about?
A New York City cop is recruited into a top-secret agency that monitors alien life on Earth. Paired with seasoned Agent K, rookie Agent J must stop an intergalactic terrorist from assassinating two alien ambassadors. Critics praised it as a sharp, funny sci-fi buddy comedy with dazzling effects.
Did Men in Black win any awards?
Yes. Men in Black won the Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1998. It also earned Grammy nominations for Will Smith's tie-in single "Men in Black," which became a major hit. The film was widely recognized by critics and audiences as one of the standout blockbusters of 1997.
What is the age rating for Men in Black?
Men in Black is rated PG-13 in the United States, meaning some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. The rating reflects sci-fi action violence, mild language, and some crude humor. In the UK it carries a 12 certificate, and in Canada it was rated PG.
How long is Men in Black?
Men in Black has a runtime of 98 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. Its brisk pacing is frequently cited as one of its strengths, keeping the action, comedy, and alien spectacle moving at an energetic clip from start to finish without overstaying its welcome.
What movies are similar to Men in Black?
If you enjoyed Men in Black, you may also like Men in Black II (2002), Men in Black 3 (2012), Independence Day (1996), The Fifth Element (1997), I, Robot (2004), and Spider-Man 2 (2004). These films share a similar blend of action, humor, and imaginative science-fiction premises.
More About Men in Black
Explore further details, ratings, and official database entries for Men in Black: