Where to watch The Thin Blue Line

What it's about

Errol Morris's unique documentary dramatically re-enacts the crime scene and investigation of a police officer's murder in Dallas, Texas. Briefly, a drifter (Randall Adams) ran out of gas and was picked up by a 16-year-old runaway (David Harris). Later that night, they drank some beer, smoked some marijuana, and went to the movies. Then, their stories diverged. Adams claimed that he left for his motel, where he was staying with his brother, and went to sleep. Harris, however, said that they were stopped by police late that night, and Adams suddenly shot the officer approaching their car. The film shows the audience the evidence gathered by the police, who were under extreme pressure to clear the case. It strongly makes a point that the circumstantial evidence was very flimsy. In fact, it becomes apparent that Harris was a much more likely suspect and was in the middle of a crime spree, eventually ending up on Death Row himself for the later commission of other crimes. Morris implies that the DA's and the judge's desire for the death penalty in this case (for which Harris would have been ineligible because of his youth) made Adams a scapegoat on whom to pin this heinous crime.

Cast and crew

Director

Errol Morris

Writer

Errol Morris

Starring

Randall Adams, David Harris, Gus Rose

Details

Released

1988-08-25

Language

English

Country

United States

Box office

$1,209,846

Awards

12 wins & 5 nominations total

Where to watch The Thin Blue Line — common questions

Where to watch The Thin Blue Line?

You can watch the movie The Thin Blue Line on AMC+, The Criterion Channel, Philo, and Sundance Now in the United States. It is also free on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV Store.

Where can I watch The Thin Blue Line?

You can watch the movie The Thin Blue Line on AMC+, The Criterion Channel, Philo, and Sundance Now in the United States. It is also free on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV Store.

Where can I stream the movie The Thin Blue Line (1988)?

The Thin Blue Line is streaming on AMC+, The Criterion Channel, Philo, and Sundance Now in the United States.

Can I watch The Thin Blue Line for free?

Yes. The Thin Blue Line is available free on Kanopy in the United States.

Is The Thin Blue Line on AMC+?

Yes. You can watch The Thin Blue Line on AMC+ in the United States.

Is The Thin Blue Line on The Criterion Channel?

Yes. You can watch The Thin Blue Line on The Criterion Channel in the United States.

Is The Thin Blue Line on Philo?

Yes. You can watch The Thin Blue Line on Philo in the United States.