🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Brian Kirk
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 39min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (171K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A cop closes all the bridges in Manhattan to catch some dudes who accidentally found a massive amount of cocaine and then shot some cops, only to find out the real criminals were the other cops all along, but it’s okay because he dramatically throws away the evidence while driving over a bridge at the end.
🍿 21 Bridges: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Setup: A Botched Drug Heist
Two war veterans, Michael and Ray, are hired to steal cocaine from a winery. They discover a massive stash far exceeding their expectations. When police unexpectedly arrive, a violent shootout ensues, leaving several officers dead. This sets off a city-wide manhunt.

Manhattan Lockdown
Detective Andre Davis, known for his relentless pursuit of cop killers, is assigned to the case. He convinces authorities to lock down Manhattan, closing all 21 bridges, tunnels, and other access points to prevent the suspects’ escape. He partners with narcotics detective Frankie Burns.

Unraveling the Conspiracy
As the night progresses, Davis and Burns pursue Michael and Ray, uncovering a web of corruption within the NYPD. They discover that the drug operation was orchestrated by members of their own precinct, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman): An NYPD detective haunted by his father’s death, known for hunting cop killers while uncovering a deep conspiracy.
- Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller): A narcotics detective partnered with Davis who becomes entangled in the web of corruption.
- Captain McKenna (J.K. Simmons): The captain of the precinct who is secretly involved in the drug trafficking operation.
- Michael (Stephan James): One of the two war veteran criminals who uncovers the police conspiracy.
- Ray (Taylor Kitsch): The more volatile of the two criminals who initiates the deadly shootout.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Andre Davis: “We got twenty-one bridges in and out of Manhattan. Shut them down.” – Davis gives the order to lock down Manhattan, setting the stage for the intense manhunt.
- Andre Davis: “I’m tired of cop killers walking free.” – Davis expresses his driving motivation rooted in the loss of his father, shaping his dedication to justice.
- Captain McKenna: “Sometimes the only way to heal a wound is to close it.” – McKenna hints at the morally ambiguous choices law enforcement sometimes makes, foreshadowing his corruption.
- Michael: “We’re not bad guys.” – Michael pleads with Davis, highlighting the nuanced nature of his character who is not inherently evil.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $33,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $28,539,757
- Worldwide Gross: $49,939,757
💥 21 Bridges Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this movie expecting just another generic action flick, but I was pleasantly surprised! Chadwick Boseman delivers a killer performance, and the plot, even though it’s a bit predictable, kept me on the edge of my seat. The scenes in the subway were intense, and I loved how the movie explored the moral ambiguity of the characters. Definitely worth a watch if you’re looking for a solid crime thriller. I teared up a little bit at the end too.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime thrillers”
- “Viewers who enjoy action-packed movies”
- “Fans of Chadwick Boseman’s acting”
- “Those who like stories with twists and turns”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence”
- “Gun violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “21 Bridges is a competent, if uninspired, crime thriller. Boseman delivers a strong performance, elevating the material. While the plot twists are predictable, the film provides enough action and suspense to keep audiences engaged.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “An efficiently made but ultimately forgettable action film. Chadwick Boseman commands the screen, but the script offers little novelty. The real-time tension and shootouts provide fleeting excitement, though it treads familiar genre ground.
Audience Reactions
Chadwick Boseman’s powerful performance was a major highlight.: Most viewers enjoyed the fast-paced action and suspenseful plot.
The twists and turns kept viewers guessing until the end.: The unexpected plot twists was a surprise.
Overall Consensus: 21 Bridges is a decent, if not groundbreaking, action thriller with strong performances and a gripping plot, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The primary filming location was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, standing in for New York City.”
- “Chadwick Boseman served as a producer on the film, demonstrating his commitment to the project beyond his acting role.”
- “The film was one of Chadwick Boseman’s final roles released before his untimely passing in August 2020.”
🖥️ How to Watch 21 Bridges?
21 Bridges is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix. It can also be rented or purchased on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed 21 Bridges, you might like these similar films:
- Training Day (2001): Features a cop partnering with a corrupt officer while navigating a morally compromised environment.
- The Departed (2006): A crime thriller with unexpected twists and turns where the line between cops and criminals blurs.
- Brooklyn’s Finest (2009): Explores the lives of NYPD officers facing moral dilemmas and corruption within the force.
- End of Watch (2012): A gritty, realistic portrayal of police officers on the front lines, facing dangerous situations.
🛒 21 Bridges Related Products
- 21 Bridges (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital): Experience the gritty action of 21 Bridges in stunning 4K Ultra HD quality. This combo pack includes a Blu-ray disc and a digital copy for on-the-go viewing. The improved visuals and immersive sound will enhance your viewing experience.
- Chadwick Boseman Tribute T-Shirt: Pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman with this high-quality graphic tee. Featuring a stylish design inspired by his iconic roles. Perfect for honoring his legacy and talent.
- NYPD Police Badge Replica: Own a piece of cinematic history with this meticulously crafted NYPD police badge replica, inspired by the badges seen in 21 Bridges. A perfect addition to any collection of movie memorabilia.
- Police Chase Car Model: Get ready to recreate your favorite movie moments with this model inspired by “21 Bridges”. The car is a faithful replica of the vehicles featured in the film’s high-speed pursuits. Great for collectors and movie enthusiasts.
🎧 Soundtrack
21 Bridges features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While the story is set in Manhattan, New York, the primary filming location was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The extreme lockdown depicted in the film, closing all bridges and tunnels, is a fictional scenario. While law enforcement can restrict access in emergencies, a complete shutdown of Manhattan is highly unusual.
The ending suggests that even after exposing corruption, the fight for justice is ongoing. Davis’s act of breaking the flash drives represents a personal choice to move forward, while the leaked information ensures accountability.
🔥 Bonus Content
21 Bridges | “Side” TV Commercial | Own it NOW on Digital HD, Blu-Ray & DVD
Curious about ’21 Bridges’? This quick TV spot packs a punch, giving you a taste of the action and suspense. Check it out and see if it’s your kind of film – I thought the premise was pretty intriguing!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.