Citizen X

Skip the procedural filler — Citizen X, in Australia on HBO Max, and in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and YouTube TV, treats its mystery seriously. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 394 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Stephen Rea leads a cast that carries the story without ever feeling mechanical. Available now on HBO Max — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Citizen X keeps coming up in conversation. The plotting in Citizen X is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. Based on the true story of a Russian serial killer who, over many years, claimed victim to over 50 people. His victims were mostly under the age of 17. In what was then a communists state, the police investigations were hampered by bureaucracy, incompetence and those in power. The writing gets a boost from Stephen Rea and Donald Sutherland, who sell every scene they're in. Citizen X came out in 1995. The plot mechanics of Citizen X never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, Citizen X will keep you hooked. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Watch Stephen Rea work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.

Citizen X was released in 1995, directed by Chris Gerolmo. The full 105-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.