Where to start withCriminal
2 versions · originally a film, 2016
Themes: Memory and Identity, Redemption, Ticking Clock Scenario, Global Threat, Mind-Transfer Sci-Fi.
Start with Criminal (Ariel Vromen, 2016) — the film. Criminal exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a film in 2016; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Criminal explores the volatile intersection of fractured identities and high-stakes conspiracies where ordinary lives collide with dangerous, hidden truths.
✦ Most fans start here
Criminal (2016)
The original movie
✦ Start hereCriminal
Ariel Vromen · Film · 2016
The 2016 film Criminal delivers a high-octane sci-fi thriller experience, focusing on the visceral process of memory transfer and the chaotic internal conflict of a convict inheriting a CIA agent's mission.
2026 series
Criminal
Motohiro Matsumoto · Series · 2026
The 2026 TV series Criminal offers a complex, multi-layered mystery that weaves together disparate lives, perfect for viewers who prefer slow-burn narratives involving corporate corruption and psychological intrigue over action-heavy spectacles.
Common questions
Is Criminal (2016) related to the TV series Criminal (2026)?
No, the 2016 movie Criminal and the 2026 series Criminal are separate productions. They share a title but do not share a plot or continuity. You can watch either title independently without needing to see the other project first.
Should I watch the 2016 Criminal movie before the 2026 series?
Since Criminal (2016) and Criminal (2026) are not connected, there is no required viewing order. You can watch the movie and the series in any sequence you prefer, as they are distinct stories that do not rely on each other for context.
How long is the 2016 movie Criminal?
The movie Criminal, released in 2016, has a runtime of approximately 113 minutes. This feature-length film is a standalone production and is not linked to the narrative or characters found in the television series titled Criminal, which premiered in 2026.
Is Criminal (2026) a sequel to the 2016 film Criminal?
The 2026 series Criminal is not a sequel to the 2016 movie Criminal. They are separate titles that do not share a common story or universe. Consuming the 2016 film provides no narrative background for the 2026 series.