Murder by Numbers

Murder by Numbers (2002)

  • 31% of critics liked it
    (125 reviews)

  • 54% of users liked it
    (61,009 ratings)

When a pair of bright-but sociopathic teens conspires to commit the perfect murder, a troubled cop teams with her eager new partner to solve the case that left the community in fear and the police without a clue. High school ladies' man Richard Haywood (Ryan Gosling) and outcast Justin Pendleton… More

Play Trailer

R,
Directed By
Written By
Tony Gayton
Genres
Mystery & Suspense, Drama
In Theaters
Apr 19, 2002 Wide
Warner Bros.

Critic Reviews

  • Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune

    The outline of Murder by Numbers may be familiar, but the filmmakers and Bullock do an expert job of filling in the colors.

  • Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

    It's well worth catching for its interesting twists on the Leopold and Loeb story.

  • Dennis Lim, Village Voice

    As long as Schroeder stays with the kids, the film musters a good deal of restless tabloid intensity, and even the occasional twinge of pathos.

  • Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

    Bullock is good, the script is not.

  • Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

    Predictable thriller is definitely not for kids.

Read all 12 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Red L


    Two teens decide to commit the perfect murder just because they can. They figure they can set it up that obviously the murder was committed by a local janitor/drug dealer. Of course Sandra Bullock just knows that it wasn't the drug dealer, and the battle of wills and more… More

  • Lady D


    I often wonder why this is a much loved film of mine, it's certainly not one of the best murder tales nor is it the most suspenseful of Thrillers, but I feel the reason lies in the forensic analysis and planning of a perfect murder, alongside the battle of intelligences and ego.… More

  • Luke B


    Murder by Numbers is certainly a by the numbers thriller. Two teenagers plan out the perfect murder. Just like the Hitchcock classic, Rope. Unlike that film, Murder by the Numbers has none of the intensity or dread. Gosling and Pitt make an excellent disturbed duo and play their roles… More

  • Candy R


    Two high school students plot and carry out perfect murders but hot on their tail is Cassie (Sandra) a detective. The movie has a good plot.

  • Dean !


    A good, enjoyable thriller about the perfect crime.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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Cast

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Trailers & Clips