Law Abiding Citizen is a gripping thriller that plunges viewers into a tense battle between justice and revenge. Directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, the 2009 crime drama follows Clyde Shelton, a man whose family is brutally murdered. He takes matters into his own hands, challenging the legal system in shocking ways. With twists at every turn and moral dilemmas that keep you on edge, the film quickly climbed Netflix’s Top 10, captivating audiences worldwide. Here is everything you need to know about Law Abiding Citizen — from the plot and cast to reviews and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
Law Abiding Citizen – all the key details
- Title: Law Abiding Citizen
- Year: 2009
- Country of production: United States
- Director: F. Gary Gray
- Cast: Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Colm Meaney, Bruce McGill, Leslie Bibb, Viola Davis
- Screenplay: Kurt Wimmer
- Genres: Thriller, Action, Crime
- Features: Intense, Vengeful, Full of suspense
- Age rating: VM 18
- Duration: 118 minutes
What Law Abiding Citizen is about
Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is an ordinary man whose life shatters when two criminals break into his home, brutally killing his wife and daughter right before his eyes. During the trial, ambitious prosecutor Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) agrees to a plea deal, letting one of the murderers receive a reduced sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice.
Ten years later, the murderer with the lighter sentence is released. However, just when it seems he has gotten away with it, he is found dead under gruesome circumstances. The police arrest Clyde, yet it quickly becomes clear that his plan goes far beyond simple revenge. Determined to expose a corrupt judicial system, he punishes everyone who failed him. Even from prison, Clyde orchestrates a series of spectacular and seemingly impossible murders, forcing Nick Rice to face a terrible choice: uphold the law or stop a man who has nothing left to lose.
Law Abiding Citizen: the cast
The film stands on two outstanding performances: Gerard Butler as Clyde Shelton, a man seeking justice after the brutal murder of his wife and daughter, and Jamie Foxx as Nick Rice, the prosecutor facing an unprecedented challenge. The supporting cast includes actors like Viola Davis, who plays the mayor of Philadelphia, and Leslie Bibb, as Rice’s colleague, adding further depth to the story.
Law Abiding Citizen: our review
Law Abiding Citizen is a thriller that grabs your attention from the start, with a plot that challenges genre conventions and an ambiguous protagonist forcing viewers to reflect on the meaning of justice. The action scenes are sharp and intense, while the tension builds steadily throughout. Performances by Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx bring real depth to their characters. Director F. Gary Gray keeps the pace fast and gripping, blending revenge, justice, and social critique into a thrilling screenplay. Combined with dark cinematography and a tense soundtrack, every scene feels charged with emotion, making Law Abiding Citizen a must-watch thriller.
Is the film based on a true story?
No, Law Abiding Citizen is a work of fiction, but its theme is inspired by real issues related to the judicial system and the frustration many feel towards laws perceived as ineffective.
Release date on Netflix
The film Law Abiding Citizen is available on Netflix from October 1, 2025 ► Watch on Netflix
