---
title: "The Winner"
year: 1996
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-winner-1996"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 124868
imdb_id: "tt0118174"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 92
community_rating: 4.4
vote_count: 19
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Winner (1996) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-winner-1996

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Winner is a 1996 feature film directed by Alex Cox and written by Wendy Riss, adapted from her play A Darker Purpose. The story follows a nice guy whose long lucky streak turns him into a target for opportunists, including his brother, his girlfriend, and some men from New Jersey. Cultural significance noted in the sources includes its distinctive ensemble cast featuring Michael Madsen, Vincent D Onofrio, Frank Whaley, and Billy Bob Thornton, as well as its fine art department.

Running for 1 hour and 32 minutes, the film is categorized across the thriller, comedy, and crime genres and holds an R rating. The provided records indicate it received a United States release date of July 26, 1997, and was directed within the cinematic style associated with Alex Cox.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A nice guy with a long lucky streak becomes the target of various opportunistic people."

### Why Watch
- Features a quirky cast including Michael Madsen, Vincent D Onofrio, Frank Whaley, and Billy Bob Thornton.
- Directed by Alex Cox and written by Wendy Riss based on her play A Darker Purpose.
- Combines thriller, comedy, and crime genres into a 1 hour and 32 minute feature.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The provided sources do not contain information on reasons someone might skip the film, aside from viewer score details.
- Tone & Suitability: The film is rated R and runs for 1 hour and 32 minutes, blending thriller, comedy, and crime genres.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #thriller, #comedy, #crime, #1990s-cinema, #quirky-cast, #adaptations

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Starz Apple TV channel | Fawesome | Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Amazon MX Player | Amazon Video |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Amazon Video, YouTube |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Alex Cox
- **Networks / Studios**: Clipsal Films, Mark Damon Productions (MDP Worldwide), Village Roadshow Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Rebecca De Mornay** as *Louise*
- **Vincent D'Onofrio** as *Philip*
- **Richard Edson** as *Frankie*
- **Delroy Lindo** as *Kingman*
- **Michael Madsen** as *Wolf*
- **Saverio Guerra** as *Paulie*
- **Billy Bob Thornton** as *Jack*
- **Frank Whaley** as *Joey*
- **Craig Vincent** as *Man*
- **Luis Contreras** as *Guy in Couple*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream The Winner (1996)?
Streaming availability is listed under Now Streaming on major database platforms, though specific regional platforms are not detailed in the text.

### Q: Is The Winner (1996) worth watching?
It features a quirky cast including Michael Madsen, Vincent D Onofrio, Frank Whaley, and Billy Bob Thornton, directed by Alex Cox.

### Q: What is the runtime of The Winner (1996)?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.

### Q: What are the essential details of its production?
The Winner is a 1996 film directed by Alex Cox, written by Wendy Riss based on her play A Darker Purpose, and rated R.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Winner — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/124868)
- [The Winner (1996) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118174/fullcredits/)
- [The Winner (1996) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/124868-the-winner/cast)
- [The Winner (film)](https://en-academic.com/)
- [The Winner (1996 film) - Wikiwand](https://www.wikiwand.com/en/The_Winner_(1996_film))

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