A Time to Kill, based on John Grisham’s provocative novel, is experiencing a resurgence on Netflix nearly 30 years after its initial release. The film, which premiered on July 24, 1996, has gained significant attention, ranking sixth on Netflix’s Global Top 10 movies for the week of November 11–16.
A Time to Kill: Film Overview
Directed by Joel Schumacher, A Time to Kill features a compelling script by Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman. The story revolves around a young attorney in Mississippi who defends a Black father accused of killing two white men after they sexually assault his daughter.
Notable Cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including:
- Sandra Bullock
- Matthew McConaughey
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Kevin Spacey
- Brenda Fricker
- Octavia Spencer
- Donald Sutherland
- Kiefer Sutherland
- Ashley Judd
- Oliver Platt
Performance Stats on Netflix
In its latest week, A Time to Kill garnered an impressive 5.4 million views and accumulated 13.4 million viewing hours. The film currently stands below Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and several other titles in the ranking.
Global Reach and Banned Status
Despite the film’s popularity, A Time to Kill is not available for streaming on Netflix in the United States. However, it can be rented or purchased on platforms like Prime Video starting at $3.79. The original novel has frequently faced bans in schools due to its graphic content, including scenes of rape and murder.
Critical Reception and Box Office Success
A Time to Kill received mixed reviews from critics when it was released. While some felt it was overly lengthy and didn’t explore its themes deeply, the film was praised for its polished filmmaking and strong performances. Commercially, it performed well, earning $152 million against its $40 million budget.
A Time to Kill and Netflix’s Renewed Interest
This year, A Time to Kill joins another successful John Grisham adaptation, The Client, directed by Schumacher, which also made waves on Netflix in August 2025. The enduring impact of these films highlights the continued relevance of Grisham’s works and their captivating adaptations.
