Skip to content 
Netflix’s Unabomber biopic starring Russell Crowe is receiving low scores from critics and audiences, with a 22% critics score and 32% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Netflix’s new biopic thriller Unabomber, starring Russell Crowe, debuted to mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences. The film, based on real domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski, with Jacob Tremblay in the title role, started on September 25, 2026 on Netflix.
Unabomber Netflix biopic faces critical backlash
The Unabomber attempts to tell the story of Ted Kaczynski through two timelines, one focusing on his time at Harvard University where he became a test subject for Henry Murray, played by Russell Crowe. However, this narrative structure has been widely criticized for uneven pacing and a lack of commitment. Critics have pointed out that the dual timeline approach makes the film feel disjointed and boring, failing to capture the tension of true crime.
With over 50 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score of 32% reflects a similar sentiment. The film ties with Crowe’s 1995 film Virtuosity as his third lowest audience score and ranks as one of his lowest rated films in over two decades. Many viewers have expressed disappointment, noting that the film does not deliver the gripping drama expected from such a notorious case.
Historical inaccuracies and casting decisions
Another major point of contention is the film’s historical inaccuracy, particularly the gender swapping of an FBI character played by Shailene Woodley. This creative choice drew criticism from those familiar with the real-life investigation. While the film takes liberties with facts, it also includes performances by Crowe and Tremblay, which have been described as the film’s silver lining, with both actors delivering fascinating portrayals despite the general flaws.
Unabomber is not the first adaptation of Ted Kaczynski’s story. Discovery Channel’s 2017 series Manhunt, which starred Paul Bettany as the Unabomber and Sam Worthington as FBI profiler Jim Fitz Fitzgerald, received widespread acclaim. This season holds a 93% Tomatometer and 92% audience score, praised for its innovative structure and educational representation. Netflix bought the rights to Manhunt and is now streaming it, offering viewers a more well-received alternative.
Russell Crowe’s busy 2026 and future projects
For Russell Crowe, the Unabomber occupied a busy 2026 movie screen with mixed results. His other releases, The Weight and Beast, earned positive reviews, while The Get Out and Unabomber were not as well received. Unabomber also marks Crowe’s first Netflix film in a leading role; he previously made a cameo in Brad Pitt’s War Machine, which was uncredited.
Crowe remains one of Hollywood’s busiest actors. His return to the historical genre, The Last Druid, is expected in mid-2027, and Billion Dollar Spy is in post-production. He will also reunite with Man of Steel star Henry Cavill in the Highlander reboot, portraying Ramírez, a role previously played by Sean Connery.
Unabomber was directed by Janus Metz Pedersen, with a script by Sam Chalsen and Nelson Greaves. The supporting cast includes Annabelle Wallis, Alexander Ludwig, Steven Off, Marc Menchaca and Gus Halper. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
Screw the next story
0% revealed · 100 points
Please follow us on Google to support us
Unabomber Russell Crowe Netflix Ted Kaczynski Jacob Tremblay Rotten Tomatoes Manhunt
USA Latest News, USA Headlines
Similar news: You can also read news similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russell takes Azerbaijan GP pole after F1 leader Antonelli hits the wallGeorge Russell took pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Formula 1 leader Kimi Antonelli hit the wall in qualifying.
Read more »
Russell Crowe’s Netflix Unabomber divides critics with 50% Rotten Tomatoes scoreRussell Crowe’s Netflix crime thriller Unabomber earns a 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Jacob Tremblay’s performance but criticizing its dual timeline.
Read more »
Netflix Unabomber Film Explores Ted Kaczynski Origins and FBI ManhuntNetflix’s Unabomber film examines Ted Kaczynski’s Harvard years and the FBI investigation that ended his 1978-1995 bombing campaign. The film stars Ethan Hawke.
Read more »
Russell Crowe Netflix Film Unabomber Top Charts as Ted Kaczynski DramaRussell Crowe stars in the Netflix film Unabomber as Harvard psychologist Henry Murray, with Jacob Tremblay as Ted Kaczynski. The true crime drama is now number 1 on Netflix.
Read more »
