Burn After Reading_
"Intelligence is relative."
When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Prime Video
6 countries
Netflix
5 countries
Rakuten TV
4 countries
M
Moviedome Plus Amazon Channel
1 country
S
Superfresh Amazon Channel
1 country
I
Infinity Selection Amazon Channel
1 country
ALL REGIONS
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Box office
Burn After Reading earned $163.7M worldwide on a $37.0M budget — a 342% return on investment.
Ethan Coen →
Year context
Burn After Reading was released 18 years ago in 2008.
CAST (20)
George Clooney
Harry Pfarrer
Frances McDormand
Linda Litzke
Brad Pitt
Chad Feldheimer
John Malkovich
Osborne Cox
Tilda Swinton
Katie Cox
Richard Jenkins
Ted
Elizabeth Marvel
Sandy Pfarrer
David Rasche
CIA Officer
J.K. Simmons
CIA Superior
Olek Krupa
Krapotkin
Michael Countryman
Alan
Kevin Sussman
Tuchman Marsh Man
J.R. Horne
Divorce Lawyer
Hamilton Clancy
Peck
Armand Schultz
Olson
Pun Bandhu
Party Guest
Karla Mosley
Party Guest
Jeffrey DeMunn
Cosmetic Surgeon
Richard Poe
Stretching Gym Patron
CM
Carmen M. Herlihy
Prospective Gym Customer
CREW
BOX OFFICE
$37.0M
Budget
$163.7M
Revenue
+342%
ROI
MASSIVE HIT
Verdict
STUDIOS (3)
AWARDS (1)
B
National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
WON
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
96 min (1h 36m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
6.7/10 (5,087 votes)
Popularity
5
Budget
$37,000,000
Box Office
$163,700,000
Profit
+$126,700,000
IMDB
Trailer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Burn After Reading about?
When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
How long is Burn After Reading?
Burn After Reading has a runtime of 96 minutes (1h 36m).
Who directed Burn After Reading?
Burn After Reading was directed by Ethan Coen.
Who stars in Burn After Reading?
The cast of Burn After Reading includes George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton.
How much did Burn After Reading make at the box office?
Burn After Reading earned $163,700,000 worldwide at the box office. The production budget was $37,000,000.
What is the rating of Burn After Reading?
Burn After Reading has a rating of 6.7 out of 10 based on 5,087 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (2)
Comedy
Drama
KEYWORDS (17)
washington dc, usa
blackmail
paranoia
black humor
plastic surgery
autobiography
memory
corpse
divorce
gym
disc
ex priest
fitness
online dating
memoirs
personal trainer
shaggy dog story