# American History X (1998) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/american-history-x-1998/
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 84% |
| Critic Score | 87% |
| Audience Score | 89% |
| Metascore | 81/100 |
| Letterboxd | 4/5 |
| IMDb | 8.5/10 |
| Director | Tony Kaye |
| Genres | Drama |
| Runtime | 119 min |

## Quick answer

American History X (1998) earns a 84% Celluloid Score — Recommended. IMDb Top 250 #43 (8.5/10) — American History X remains one of the most highly rated films of all time. Metascore 81/100. Directed by Tony Kaye.

## Critics consensus

IMDb Top 250 #43 (8.5/10) — American History X remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.

## Synopsis

Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.

## Cast

Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Avery Brooks, Elliott Gould, Stacy Keach, William Russ

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is American History X worth watching?**
American History X holds a 84% Celluloid Score. IMDb Top 250 #43 (8.5/10) — American History X remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.

**What is American History X about?**
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.

**Who directed American History X?**
American History X (1998) was directed by Tony Kaye.

**What is the Celluloid Score of American History X?**
84% — the average of five public sources: critics 87%, audience 89%, Metascore 81/100, Letterboxd 4/5, and IMDb 8.5/10.

**Where can I watch American History X?**
Streaming availability varies by region — see the American History X page for current options.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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