IMDb 6.4 1987 HD

Best Seller

Best Seller

1987
Action Crime Drama Thriller
95 min R USA
5.9 / 10
6.4 IMDB

Hit man Cleve approaches writer/cop Dennis about a story for his next book: How Cleve made a living, working for one of the most powerful politicians in the…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director John Flynn / Marilyn Bailey
Starring
James Woods / Brian Dennehy / Victoria Tennant / Allison Balson / Paul Shenar / George Coe / Anne Pitoniak / Mary Carver

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

intense compelling dark suspenseful gritty character-driven intriguing thought-provoking deliberate serious effective engaging

Reviews

S
Sophia Lee
May 20, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

The premise of 'Best Seller' is its most potent asset: a hitman collaborating with a writer to expose a powerful politician. James Woods commands the screen with his intense performance, and Brian Dennehy provides a steady hand as…

M
Marcus Bell
May 20, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A potent blend of noir sensibilities and political commentary, 'Best Seller' is a surprisingly effective thriller. James Woods is electrifying as the hitman with a story to tell, matched by Brian Dennehy’s grounded portrayal of the writer caught…

C
Clara Davies
May 20, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

This film presents a fascinating 'odd couple' scenario: a hitman and a writer joining forces to bring down a powerful figure. James Woods is predictably compelling as the morally ambiguous Cleve, and Brian Dennehy offers a strong, stoic…

A
Arthur Finch
May 20, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Best Seller' is a taut, character-driven crime drama that thrives on the combustible chemistry between its leads. Woods is on formidable form, embodying Cleve with a chilling charisma, while Dennehy brings a weary gravitas to his role. The…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 20, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

James Woods delivers a signature performance as Cleve, the enigmatic hitman whose life story forms the backbone of this intriguing thriller. Brian Dennehy, as the writer Dennis, provides a solid counterpoint, grounding the narrative with a more conventional,…

FAQs

The film's narrative revolves around the uncovering of secrets concerning a powerful politician, with a hitman and a writer collaborating to expose these truths. The primary tension arises from the opposition they face in their quest for evidence. While the journey itself is fraught with peril, the core of the film's suspense lies in the potential for revelation and the forces determined to prevent it. Specific plot twists are best discovered during viewing.