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Citizen Kane

Play trailer 3:44 Poster for Citizen Kane PG 1941 1h 59m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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99% Tomatometer 137 Reviews 98% Popcornmeter 100+ Verified Ratings
When a reporter is assigned to decipher newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane's (Orson Welles) dying words, his investigation gradually reveals the fascinating portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to staggering heights. Though Kane's friend and colleague Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his mistress, Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), shed fragments of light on Kane's life, the reporter fears he may never penetrate the mystery of the elusive man's final word, "Rosebud."
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Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane

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Critics Consensus

Orson Welles's epic tale of a publishing tycoon's rise and fall is entertaining, poignant, and inventive in its storytelling, earning its reputation as a landmark achievement in film.

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Critics Reviews

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Adam Kempenaar Filmspotting Jun 21, 2026
5/5
I don’t care if Welles was 25 or 85, or if the movie was made in ‘41 or 2014 – we would still rightfully be in awe of the filmmaking. Go to Full Review Tom Huddleston Time Out Dec 12, 2024
5/5
It remains as witty, tragic, unlikely, unique and fascinating as ever. Go to Full Review Wendy Ide The Times (UK) Jan 18, 2024
Genuinely innovative film-making. Go to Full Review Michael Calleri Niagara Gazette Jul 31, 2026
It is not hyperbole to state that "Citizen Kane" has earned the right to be considered as great as any individual wants it to be. If "greatest" is too much, then how about most respected? It might be the most influential motion picture in history. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Jul 5, 2026
4/4
Citizen Kane has been cited as the greatest film ever made from so many different quarters, it’s a wonder a Congressional law was never passed making it required viewing for anyone who claims they like movies. Go to Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) Jul 3, 2026
the movie that changed everything. A must watch for film fans Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Eric M Sep 6, 2026 Excellent all-around! See more Rod Aug 17, 2026 Liked everything. Dislike nothing. See more Romkee Jul 16, 2026 yeah, this one is pretty good See more fyrintb4 dirjru Jul 14, 2026 Enough has been said about this film, just watch it. See more BK Jul 9, 2026 Considered one of the best movies ever made. It's a must see in a theater. See more MarkB T Jul 9, 2026 This is the standard in set design and cinematography. This movie holds up 85 years later. See more Read all reviews
Citizen Kane

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Cast & Crew

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Orson Welles

Director

Orson Welles

Charles Foster Kane

Joseph Cotten

Jedediah Leland

Ruth Warrick

Emily Norton Kane

Everett Sloane

Bernstein

Agnes Moorehead

Mrs. Mary Kane

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Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane: Trailer 1 Citizen Kane: Trailer 1 3:44 Now Playing View more videos
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Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane (1941) Citizen Kane (1941) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When a reporter is assigned to decipher newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane's (Orson Welles) dying words, his investigation gradually reveals the fascinating portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to staggering heights. Though Kane's friend and colleague Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his mistress, Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), shed fragments of light on Kane's life, the reporter fears he may never penetrate the mystery of the elusive man's final word, "Rosebud."
Director
Orson Welles
Producer
Orson Welles
Screenwriter
Herman J. Mankiewicz, Orson Welles, John Houseman
Distributor
RKO Radio Pictures
Production Co
Mercury Productions, RKO Radio Pictures Inc.
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 1, 1941, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Jul 5, 2026
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 28, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$977.3K
Runtime
1h 59m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Academy (1.33:1)
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