Enemy of the State

Enemy of the State is currently streaming in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 4,296 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Watch Will Smith work — the performance is a masterclass in restraint. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Enemy of the State earns its spot. The plotting in Enemy of the State is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. When the videotape of the murder of a congressman unknowingly ends up in the hands of labor lawyer and dedicated family man Robert Clayton Dean, he is framed for the murder. With the help of the mysterious Brill, Dean attempts to throw the NSA off his trail and prove his innocence. The writing gets a boost from Will Smith and Gene Hackman, who sell every scene they're in. It hit screens in 1998. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — Enemy of the State passes that test consistently. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, Enemy of the State delivers. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Will Smith's performance is the kind that shows up on best-of lists years later. If you have been looking for something to fill the gap left by a recently finished story, this is a reliable answer.