Fatal Attraction (1987)
A married man's one-night stand comes back to haunt him when that lover begins to stalk him and his family.
Details
Budget
$14,000,000
Rating
7/10 (1534 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Paramount Pictures
About Fatal Attraction
The 1987 thriller "Fatal Attraction" centers on Dan Gallagher, a married man whose one-night stand with Alex Forrest unravels into a dangerous obsession. The film explores the psychological aftermath of an extramarital affair, quickly shifting from a romantic drama to a tense thriller as Alex's behavior escalates into stalking and threats against Dan and his family. The narrative relies heavily on the theme of a casual encounter having extreme, unforeseen consequences.
The film became a notable cultural touchstone during the late 1980s, generating discussion around infidelity and its potential ramifications. Its reception indicates the public grappling with the moral and social anxieties it presented. The story plays into a specific kind of domestic nightmare, which contributed to its significant box office success and continued relevance in discussions about psychological thrillers.
"Fatal Attraction" features themes of sexual obsession, marriage crisis, and the destructive nature of unrequited or obsessive love. Set in New York City, the film builds tension through Alex's escalating actions as a female stalker targeting a married man and his deceived wife. Its classification across thriller, drama, and romance genres reflects the evolving nature of the plot from a transgressive romance to a full-blown psychological horror.
Why you might be searching for Fatal Attraction
People are often searching for "Fatal Attraction" due to its iconic status as an 80s thriller about a dangerous one-night stand and a female stalker. Queries often reference the plot's central conflict—a married man's affair leading to extreme consequences—and specific character dynamics, such as the obsessed woman and the lawyer protagonist. The film's memorable and impactful portrayal of "every man's nightmare" also drives search interest.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes the film, a major hit from the 80s, as still impactful, pointing out its cultural significance and how it offered audiences a distinctive story about a man being stalked by an out-of-control woman.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can watch *Fatal Attraction* on Netflix. It is also available digitally from Paramount Pictures. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon.
*Fatal Attraction* is not based on a true story. It is based on James Dearden's 1980 short film, *Diversion*.
In the theatrical ending of *Fatal Attraction* (1987), Alex Forrest comes to the Gallagher's home and attacks Beth with a knife. Dan intervenes and appears to drown Alex in the bathtub, but she re-emerges with the knife. Beth then shoots Alex dead. The original ending, which was changed after test screenings, had Alex commit suicide by slitting her throat, framing Dan for her murder.
*Fatal Attraction* was a box office success, grossing between $320 million and $344 million worldwide on a $14 million budget, making it the second highest-grossing film of 1987 in the U.S. It received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Glenn Close. On Rotten Tomatoes, 74% of 61 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.8/10.