The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)

The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) is a biographical drama that follows the outrageous rise of Larry Flynt, the founder of Hustler magazine, and the tumultuous transformation of his fight for profit into a landmark battle for free speech. From gritty 1970s strip clubs to sensational courtroom showdowns, the film traces Flynt’s climb from small-time hustler to controversial publisher, the violent assassination attempt that leaves him paralyzed, and the personal and legal struggles that follow—his volatile marriage to Althea, the loyalty of his brother Jimmy and his attorney Alan Isaacman, and a bitter public feud with moral crusaders like Jerry Falwell. Viewing experience: the movie is bold, provocative, and often uncomfortable—equal parts dark comedy, drama and courtroom thriller. You’ll see raucous, sexually frank material and scenes that challenge social taboos, balanced with intimate, painful moments of addiction, paralysis, grief and moral conflict. Expect energetic period detail, heated legal arguments about the First Amendment, and morally ambiguous characters who force you to question where limits on speech should lie. Strong performances and a mix of humor and pathos make it both entertaining and thought‑provoking. Content note: the film contains explicit sexual themes, strong language, drug use, and violence (including the shooting and its aftermath), so it’s intended for mature audiences.

Actors: Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, Edward Norton

Director: Milos Forman

Runtime: 130 min

Genres: Biography, Drama

6.5 /10 79 /100 7.3 /10 7.2 /10