American History X
“Some legacies must end.”
Synopsis
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Derek's Out of PrisonOfficial
Type: Clip • Published 2025-04-17
Top Cast
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Edward Norton
Derek
Edward Furlong
Danny
Beverly D'Angelo
Doris
Jennifer Lien
Davina
Ethan Suplee
Seth
Fairuza Balk
Stacey
Avery Brooks
Sweeney
Elliott Gould
Murray
Stacy Keach
Cameron
William Russ
Dennis
Guy Torry
Lamont
Joe Cortese
Rasmussen
Jason Bose Smith
Little Henry
Antonio David Lyons
Lawrence
Alex Sol
Mitch McCormick
Keram Malicki-Sánchez
Chris
Giuseppe Andrews
Jason
Michelle Christine White
Lizzy
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 30, 1998
Wide Cinema Exhibition
May 11, 2009
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$20M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$23.9M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
1.2x
+$3.9M net gain
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Tony Kaye
- Screenplay & Story
- David McKenna
- Original Score
- Anne Dudley
- Original Title
- American History X
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 59m
- Production Budget
- $20M
- Worldwide Gross
- $23.9M
- Production Studios
- New Line Cinema, Savoy Pictures, The Turman-Morrissey Company
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Tony Kaye
David McKenna
Anne Dudley
Tony Kaye
Alan Heim, Gerald B. Greenberg
John Morrissey, Lawrence Turman, Bill Carraro, Kearie Peak, Steve Tisch
Department Leadership Roster
Alan Heim
Editor
John Morrissey
Producer
Gerald B. Greenberg
Editor
Tony Kaye
Director
David McKenna
Screenplay
Anne Dudley
Original Music Composer
Paul E. Short
Stunt Coordinator
Jon Gary Steele
Production Design
Doug Hall
Costume Design
Ernie F. Orsatti
Stunt Coordinator
Tony Kaye
Director of Photography
Denney Pierce
Stunt Coordinator
Noon Orsatti
Stunt Coordinator
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.
Restricted to Adults (18+).
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for American History X.
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Frequently Asked Questions About American History X
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is American History X about?
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
Who directed American History X?
American History X was directed by Tony Kaye.
Who stars in American History X?
The principal cast of American History X includes Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Ethan Suplee.
When was American History X released and how long is it?
American History X was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 59m.
What was the box office and production budget of American History X?
American History X had a reported production budget of $20M and grossed $23.9M at the worldwide box office (1.2 return on budget, classified as a budget recovered).
Who composed the musical score for American History X?
The original motion picture soundtrack for American History X was composed by Anne Dudley.
What is the age rating and content advisory for American History X?
American History X holds official age classifications: AU: MA 15+; DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 18 (Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.); IN: A (Restricted to Adults (18+).); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).