Men in Black poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio, Rip Torn ... see more see more... , Tony Shalhoub , Becky Ann Baker , Patrick Breen , Sergio Calderón , Keith Campbell , Willie C. Carpenter , Debbie Lee Carrington , David Cross , Michael Goldfinger , Richard Hamilton , Carl Johnson , Boris Leskin , Peter Linari , Harsh Nayyar , Mike Nussbaum , Ken Thorley , Sean Whalen , Carel Struycken , Tim Blaney , Andy Prosky , Michael Willis , Siobhan Fallon , Charles C. Stevenson Jr. , Jon Gries , John Alexander , Verne Troyer , Steve Rankin , Mark Setrakian , Brad Abrell , Thom Fountain , Alpheus Merchant , Kent Faulcon , Richard Arthur , Bernard Gilkey , Norma Jean Groh , Michael Kaliski , Fredric Lane , Drew Massey , Sean Plummer , Mykal Wayne Williams

For his fifth effort as a feature-film director, one-time cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld brought his cartoonish visual style and darkly humorous sensibilities to this adaptation of, appropriately en... read more read more...ough, a tongue-in-cheek sci-fi comic book. Will Smith stars as James Darrel Edwards, a New York City cop with an athletic physique and a flippant, anti-authoritarian attitude toward law enforcement. After chasing down a mysterious perpetrator one night who turns out to be an alien, James is recruited by "K" (Tommy Lee Jones), a veteran of a clandestine government agency secretly policing the comings and goings of aliens on planet Earth. Nicknamed the "men in black" for their nondescript uniform of black suit, shoes, tie, and sunglasses, the agents are assigned to recover a bauble that's been stolen by an intergalactic terrorist (Vincent D'Onofrio). It seems the item is none other than the galaxy itself, and its theft has plunged humanity into the center of what's shaping up to become an interstellar war, unless K and his new wisecracking partner, now renamed "J," can stop the bad guy. On their side but somewhat in the dark is a pretty, unflappable city medical examiner (Linda Fiorentino) who has been zapped one too many times by K's ingenious memory-sapping device. Men in Black was a box office smash, inspiring an animated children's television series and a hit soundtrack album that featured a performance by star (and rapper) Smith. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Flixster Users

73% liked it

957,686 ratings

Critics

91% liked it

75 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 38 min.

Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld

Release Date: July 2, 1997

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: October 23, 1997

Get It:

Stats: 37,856 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Men in Black Men in Black Kicking Alien Butt! will smith will smith wiv his sun glasses Agent J Will Smith woohoo will smith its one of the guys in Men in black my photo should be simple for view Men in Black (1997) Men in Black A Black Man In Black MIB Ride at Universal Men in Black Men in Black Men in Black Men in Black
Upload a Photo | View All Men in Black Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (37,856)

  • fb1378820053
    April 15, 2013
    fb1378820053
    A
  • fb1442511448
    January 18, 2013
    fb1442511448
    The film's sci-fi presentation, clever story and leading duo (Jones & Smith) provides for a surge of entertainment that exceeds anyone's expectations. Men in Black is that summer blockbuster that satisfies throughout its entirety. 4.5/5
  • cosmo313
    December 18, 2012
    cosmo313
    Ace cinematographer turned director Barry Sonnenfeld is known for having a cartoonish style and darkly humorous sensibilities, and these qualities served him very well with this adaptation of a tongue-in-cheek sci--fi comic book series.

    This witty, stylish, and insanely clever f... read moreilm follows a tough and uber hip New York cop named James Edwards who, after a bizarre encounter with a suspect, discovers that not only do aliens exist, but there is a top secret government agency known as the Men In Black designed to monitor and deal with their presence on Earth.

    Shedding his old life and identity, James joins the organization, taking up the name Agent J, and, along with a no-nonsense codger of a partner named Agent K, work to stop an assassination plot that could lead to interstellar war.

    As mentioned above, this is a really clever film. It's funny, sharp, and gets in some nice satire, and makes for a nice blend of comedy and sci-fi intrigue. I knew this was funny as a kid, but it wasn't until later that I realized how much of the humor went over my head, kinda like my experience with Ghostbusters.

    Sonnenfeld's style is perfect for this kind of thing, and I love the world created here. Will Smith delivers a fine performance as Agent J, and he has wonderful chemistry with Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K. Rip Torn is a delight as MIB boss Zed, Linda Fiorentino is good as a mortician caught up in the madness, and Vincent D'Onofrio is great as the primary antagonist who tries to hide its real identity using the hollowed out skin of a farmer.

    The film is heavy on effects, and, while they are great, they thankfully don't overshadow things, and actually complement the story. The action and set pieces are decent too, but for me, the best part of the film is the writing, performances, concept, and sharp satirical humor.

    Definitely give this one a look. It's easily a highlight of late 90s cinema.
  • samoriley
    November 26, 2012
    samoriley
    What makes this film stand out, aside from its superb effects, humor and script, is the contrast between Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. While Jones is the emotionless, smarter and wiser one out of the two, Smith is the younger and more enthusiastic. These 'Men In Black' are on a... read more mission to save Earth from a really, really nasty bug infestation. This is one Sci-Fi film that shouldn't be missed.
  • CloudStrife84
    June 16, 2012
    CloudStrife84
    Clever, exciting, imaginative and funny, Men in Black is everything you want a sci-fi comedy to be. Yet, those words fail to encompass my total love for this film. Still the best in the trilogy (in my humble view), it has enough wit and action to keep you entertained for d... read moreecades. Every time I see it, I just wanna take the first best plane to New York and join their ranks for some good ol' alien-busting. But alas, the MIB is but a fictional organization. At any rate, it entertains to stellar degrees, and is also one of the movies that launched Will Smith into international fame (or should I say intergalactic). His hilarious interplay with Agent K - played by a brilliant Tommy Lee Jones - serves up a whole smorgasbord of zesty gags and laugh-out-loud situations. Not to mention all the cool aliens and Rick Baker's fantastic creature design, which is truly the work of a creative artisan. Add to that the wonderfully written, tongue-in-check script, and there's no mystery to why I regard this as one of my all-time favourite comedies. A first-rate classic in every sense, and a must-see for anyone with a taste for quality humor! Because this doesn't just hit it out of the park, it sends the ball flying through space and into galaxies beyond!
  • aquateen2
    June 3, 2012
    aquateen2
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]

    Men in Black, a film that's very original, tries to be cool and quirky, and suceeds. It's what I would easily call the better version of Independence Day. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are highly likabl... read moree in their lead roles, and as a screen couple perform with complete chemistry and energetic slickness. The jokes are thrown in at almost every minute into a plot that's original and exciting. It all adds up to one great flick that naturally sets itself up for a franchise that's definetely worth making.
  • fb733768972
    May 29, 2012
    fb733768972
    "Men in Black" is one of the most impressive sci-fi films of the 90's! Probably thee most when you are thinking of comedy. It may not have the back-up of spectacular visual effects, but they do cherish what they can with whatever they do have. The chemistry between Tommy Lee Jone... read mores and Will Smith is phenomenal and it makes me wish more films could have that upper hand. "Men in Black" is everything you could want in a movie, with a few extra moments of awesomeness. All-in-all, this film delivers thrills, laughs, visuals, and a story that solely works with these actors alone. This film definitely needs everyones attentions!
  • fb100002384654145
    May 26, 2012
    fb100002384654145
    A cool movie that benefits greatly from the charismatic duo of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.
  • fb100001592288964
    May 23, 2012
    fb100001592288964
    Very entertaining from start-to-finish. Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are both terrific together, both displaying spot-on comedic chops, too. And for its time, the effects are actually pretty good, too. A definitive summer blockbuster that still stands its time today.
  • fb100000145236770
    May 13, 2012
    fb100000145236770
    "Men in Black" is a modern sci-fi comedy classic. While the movie isn't perfect, the chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones is. "Black" is about a secret organization that deals with aliens here on earth. When one of their main agents retires, Jones then recruits Smi... read moreth to join the force, and they have to stop an evil alien from destroying the universe. Jones is the perfect straight man for Smith. Their banter is what makes this movie good and memorable. The effects are good, and still hold up, but really it's the pairs ability to turn this from parody, to comedy. If you have never seen this, then your probably an alien.If you have, then now is a good time to reconnect with the third movie about to come out.

View All Men in Black Reviews

Critic Reviews

Jay Boyar
April 14, 2013
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

This spaced-out comedy may not be bliss, but it sure is fun. Full Review

Gene Siskel
April 14, 2013
Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

A smart, funny and hip adventure film in a summer of car wrecks and explosions. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
July 6, 2010
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Every time the film makes you chuckle, you may also feel it's zapped you with a neuralizer. Full Review

Todd McCarthy
July 7, 2008
Todd McCarthy, Variety

A wild knuckleball of a movie that keeps dancing in and out of the strike zone. Full Review

David Edelstein
June 5, 2007
David Edelstein, Slate

The smartest, funniest, and best-looking sci-fi comedy since the movies learned to morph. Full Review

Desson Thomson
April 17, 2007
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

It's just the best yuk of the week. Full Review

Derek Adams
February 9, 2006
Derek Adams, Time Out

It's so much fun, in fact, that it's almost over before you realise that you've been watching a great idea for a movie in desperate search of a plot. Full Review

Jeff Strickler
November 6, 2002
Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune

As ragged as the humor is, there still are more hits than misses. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
June 18, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

At times, it may succeed at manipulating you, but you won't like it. Full Review

Rick Groen
April 12, 2002
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

The result is a rich picture with a winning personality, as modest in theme as it is in style. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Men in Black II
    Men in Black II (90%)
  • Ghostbusters
    Ghostbusters (76%)
  • Hancock
    Hancock (92%)
  • Critters 2 - The Main Course
    Critters 2 - The Main Course (30%)

More Movies like Men in Black

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Jeebs: You insesitive jerk! Do you have any idea how much that stings?
    • J: You need to ease up out my face before something bad happen to you. Too late.
    • J: So, big bad bug got a bit of a soft spot, huh?
    • Edgar: YOU IDIOTS! You don't get it! I've won! It's over! You're milk-suckers! You don't matter. In fact, in a few seconds you won't even be matter.
    • K: The roaches check in.
    • J: They don't check out.
    • J: Hey, where you going?
    • K: [calmly] I'm going to get my gun back.
Submit a Fact | View All

Men in Black : Watch Free on TV

Men in Black Trivia

  • In which of these films is the Statue of Liberty left completely undamaged?  Answer »
  • In what movie did an alien inhabit the body of a farmer?  Answer »
  • in which movie (not the sequel) do the 2 lead characters dress in black and kill aliens?  Answer »
  • What name do these all share? The name of the dog on Men In Black. Tom Cruise's name in Magnolia. The name of the bunny in Donnie Darko.  Answer »
More Men in Black Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All Men in Black Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add Men in Black to favorites

Recent News

Submit a Story |

View Men in Black News

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

butterfly34363 Skin by butterfly34363
197 Profiles
Add to Profile

More Skins