The Insider (1999)
A chemist exposes corporate secrets, facing relentless personal and professional attacks in a gritty, earnest drama.
A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.
How intense is The Insider?
The Insider is not scary, with no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What The Insider feels like
- Tone
- grittysuspensefulearnestintimate
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
- True story
- Yes, based on true events.
Where to stream The Insider
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Insider for you?
Is The Insider scary?
No. The Insider is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is The Insider gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is The Insider sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is The Insider OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3.
How long is The Insider?
The Insider runs 2h 38m.
Where can I stream The Insider?
The Insider is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does The Insider have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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