Public Enemies (2009)
Depression-era outlaws and federal agents clash in a brisk, gritty, and suspenseful game of cat and mouse.
Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger's charm and audacity endear him to much of America's downtrodden public, but he's also a thorn in the side of J. Edgar Hoover and the fledgling FBI. Desperate to capture the elusive outlaw, Hoover makes Dillinger his first Public Enemy Number One and assigns his top agent, Melvin Purvis, the task of bringing him in dead or alive.
How intense is Public Enemies?
Public Enemies has light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is brisk, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Public Enemies feels like
- Tone
- grittysuspensefulpulpyatmospheric
- Pace
- Brisk
- Best for
- Full attention
- True story
- Yes, based on true events.
Where to stream Public Enemies
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Public Enemies for you?
Is Public Enemies scary?
No. Public Enemies is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Public Enemies gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is Public Enemies sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is Public Enemies OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is Public Enemies?
Public Enemies runs 2h 20m.
Where can I stream Public Enemies?
Public Enemies is streaming on YouTube (free).
Does Public Enemies have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
No. Brace yourself.
Cast and crew
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