---
title: "Speed"
year: 1994
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/speed-1994"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 1637
imdb_id: "tt0111257"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 116
community_rating: 7.2
vote_count: 6911
content_rating: "R"
---

# Speed (1994) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/speed-1994

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film Speed is an American action thriller released in 1994. It was directed by Jan de Bont in his feature directorial debut and written by Graham Yost. The movie stars Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, and Sandra Bullock, alongside Joe Morton and Jeff Daniels in supporting roles. The plot takes place in Los Angeles, California, and centers on a city bus. Tensions run high when a crazed bomber rigs the bus with a device that will kill everyone on board if the vehicle's speed dips below fifty miles per hour. The film features a mix of action and thriller elements, and its runtime is one hour and fifty-six minutes. Speed was released in the US on June 9, 1994, and has a rating of R. The movie has been made available to stream, and a trailer is available to watch.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A high-stakes game of survival unfolds on a bus rigged to explode if it slows down."

### Why Watch
- relentless pacing
- high-tension premise

### Caveats & Content Note
- intense action sequences
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains intense sequences of action and peril related to a bomb threat.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, suspenseful, fast-paced

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | YouTube TV | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus, Crave, Hollywood Suite, Hollywood Suite Amazon Channel, Starz Amazon Channel, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Jan de Bont
- **Networks / Studios**: 20th Century Fox, The Mark Gordon Company

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Keanu Reeves** as *Jack Traven*
- **Dennis Hopper** as *Howard Payne*
- **Sandra Bullock** as *Annie*
- **Joe Morton** as *Capt. McMahon*
- **Jeff Daniels** as *Harry*
- **Alan Ruck** as *Stephens*
- **Glenn Plummer** as *Jaguar Owner*
- **Richard Lineback** as *Norwood*
- **Beth Grant** as *Helen*
- **Hawthorne James** as *Sam*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the central premise?
A bomber rigs a city bus to explode if its speed drops below fifty miles per hour.

### Q: Where does the story take place?
The events occur in Los Angeles.

### Q: Does the bus have to maintain a specific speed?
Yes, the vehicle must stay at or above fifty miles per hour to avoid detonation.

### Q: What is the main threat?
The passengers are held hostage by a device planted by a bomber.

### Q: Is this an action film?
Yes, the film focuses on the tension and action resulting from the bomber's demands.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Speed — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1637)
- [Speed (1994) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111257/fullcredits/)
- [Speed (1994 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_(1994_film))
- [Speed (1994) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1637-speed/cast)
- [Speed (1994 movie) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_(1994_movie))
- [Speed (1994 film) - Wikiwand](https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Speed_(1994_film))

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*