Speed (1994)
Jan de Bont's explosive 1994 thriller that strapped audiences to a bomb-rigged bus and never let go.
Speed - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1994
- Directed by: Jan de Bont
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 9, 1994 (Brazil - 14), June 9, 1994 (United States - R), June 9, 1994 (Canada - A), September 30, 1994 (United Kingdom - 15), October 20, 1994 (Germany - 16), August 24, 1994 (France - U), June 30, 1994 (Australia - M), June 9, 1994 (Mexico - B), September 30, 1994 (Italy - T), August 5, 1994 (Spain - 18), June 25, 1994 (South Korea - 15)
- Production Companies: 20th Century Fox, The Mark Gordon Company
- Production Countries: United States of America
Speed - Plot
Tensions run high when a crazed bomber rigs a Los Angeles bus with a device that will kill everyone on board if the vehicle's speed dips below fifty miles per hour.
Speed - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see why this film redefined the action genre:
Get ready for rush hour.
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Speed - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jan de Bont
Main Cast
- Keanu Reeves
- Dennis Hopper
- Sandra Bullock
- Joe Morton
- Jeff Daniels
- Alan Ruck
- Glenn Plummer
- Richard Lineback
- Beth Grant
- Hawthorne James
Writers
- Graham Yost
Producers
- Mark Gordon
Speed - FAQs
What is the iconic premise of Speed?
A bomb is wired to a Los Angeles city bus that will detonate if the vehicle drops below 50 miles per hour. LAPD officer Jack Traven must keep the bus moving through city traffic while trying to outsmart the ruthless bomber holding passengers hostage for a $3.7 million ransom.
Who are the main actors in Speed?
Keanu Reeves leads the cast as Officer Jack Traven, with Sandra Bullock as Annie, the passenger who takes the wheel, and Dennis Hopper as the menacing bomber Howard Payne. Jeff Daniels plays Jack's partner Harry, and Joe Morton appears as Captain McMahon.
Is Speed based on a true story?
Speed is not based on a true story. Screenwriter Graham Yost conceived the original premise, reportedly inspired by a simple idea: what if a bus had a bomb that would go off if it slowed down? The story is entirely fictional, though it draws on real LAPD and SWAT procedures for authenticity.
How did Speed launch Sandra Bullock's career?
Speed was a genuine career-defining breakthrough for Sandra Bullock. Her role as Annie — a quick-thinking passenger who ends up driving the bomb-rigged bus — earned her widespread acclaim and made her a Hollywood star overnight. The film's massive success opened doors that led directly to her becoming one of the biggest names in the industry.
Where can you stream Speed?
You can stream Speed on Hulu and YouTube TV with a subscription. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Plenty of options to catch this classic action thriller whenever the mood strikes.
How much did Speed earn at the box office?
Speed was a massive commercial hit, earning over $350 million worldwide against a production budget of just $30 million. That kind of return made it one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer of 1994 and cemented its place as a landmark of the action genre.
Did Speed win any awards?
Speed won two Academy Awards at the 1995 Oscars — Best Film Editing and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Sound Editing. The film's razor-sharp editing by John Wright and its thunderous sound design were widely praised as key ingredients in its relentless, pulse-pounding tension.
What is the age rating for Speed?
Speed is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying parental guidance. The rating reflects the film's intense action sequences, violence, and some strong language. It carries a 15 certificate in the UK and an 18 rating in Spain, reflecting similar content standards internationally.
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