Where to Watch The Thin Blue Line (1988) in the US

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

Release date

Aug 25, 1988

Language

English

Country

United States

Box office

$1,209,846

Awards

12 wins & 5 nominations total

Where to Watch The Thin Blue Line (1988) in the US — common questions

Where to watch The Thin Blue Line in the United States?

The Thin Blue Line is available with a subscription, free with a participating library card, or to rent in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on AMC+ (HD), Philo (HD), Sundance Now (HD), and The Criterion Channel (HD). Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I stream The Thin Blue Line or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on AMC+ (HD), Philo (HD), Sundance Now (HD), and The Criterion Channel (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I watch The Thin Blue Line for free in the United States?

Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy (HD).