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A Thin Line Between Love and Hate poster
5.7 / 10(96 votes)IMDbR19961h 48m$34.7M Worldwide GrossUnited States of America

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

“When you play, you pay.”

Synopsis

Nightclub manager Darnell Wright is a perpetual playboy who is almost as devoted to his job as he is to the pursuit of beautiful women. After he sets his sights on the ultra-classy Brandi Web, he launches an all-out assault to win her heart. Ultimately, charm, lust and passion prevail, but Darnell learns the hard way that when you play, you pay. Brandi is much harder to get rid of than she was to get--especially when she realizes that she has a rival vying for Darnell's affection. When he finally decides to call it quits, Brandi becomes an obsessed femme fatale stalking the new love of her life.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996) 35mm film trailer scan, scope 4K

Type: Trailer • Published 2026-04-06

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

April 4, 1996

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Financials & Box Office Performance

ReleasedBlockbuster Success (4.34x ROI)

Production Budget

$8M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$34.7M

Total global ticket sales

Box Office Return

4.34x

+$26.7M net gain

Theatrical Status

Mega Hit

Box office tier

Budget: $8MWorldwide: $34.7M

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Martin Lawrence
Screenplay & Story
Kenny Buford, Kim Bass, Martin Lawrence, Bentley Kyle Evans
Original Score
Roger Troutman
Original Title
A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Country of Origin
United States of America
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 48m
Production Budget
$8M
Worldwide Gross
$34.7M
Production Studios
Savoy Pictures, Jackson-McHenry Entertainment, You Go Boy! / Run Tell Dat Productions

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Martin Lawrence

Screenplay & Story

Kenny Buford, Kim Bass, Martin Lawrence, Bentley Kyle Evans

Original Score & Music

Roger Troutman

Director of Photography

Francis Kenny

Film Editing

John Carter

Producers

Martin Lawrence

Department Leadership Roster

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence

Director

Kenny Buford

Screenplay

Kim Bass

Kim Bass

Screenplay

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence

Screenplay

Bentley Kyle Evans

Bentley Kyle Evans

Screenplay

Roger Troutman

Roger Troutman

Original Music Composer

Simon Dobbin

Production Design

Francis Kenny

Director of Photography

John Carter

Editor

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.

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Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.

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Frequently Asked Questions About A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is A Thin Line Between Love and Hate about?

Nightclub manager Darnell Wright is a perpetual playboy who is almost as devoted to his job as he is to the pursuit of beautiful women. After he sets his sights on the ultra-classy Brandi Web, he launches an all-out assault to win her heart. Ultimately, charm, lust and passion prevail, but Darnell learns the hard way that when you play, you pay. Brandi is much harder to get rid of than she was to get--especially when she realizes that she has a rival vying for Darnell's affection. When he finally decides to call it quits, Brandi becomes an obsessed femme fatale stalking the new love of her life.

Who directed A Thin Line Between Love and Hate?

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate was directed by Martin Lawrence.

Who stars in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate?

The principal cast of A Thin Line Between Love and Hate includes Lynn Whitfield, Martin Lawrence, Regina King, Della Reese, Bobby Brown.

When was A Thin Line Between Love and Hate released and how long is it?

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate was released in 1996 with a total runtime of 1h 48m.

What was the box office and production budget of A Thin Line Between Love and Hate?

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate had a reported production budget of $8M and grossed $34.7M at the worldwide box office (4.34 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).

Who composed the musical score for A Thin Line Between Love and Hate?

The original motion picture soundtrack for A Thin Line Between Love and Hate was composed by Roger Troutman.

What is the age rating and content advisory for A Thin Line Between Love and Hate?

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).