Unabomber (2026): cast, story, release date and box office

Unabomber (2026) is a 100-minute American crime drama, biographical film, and thriller directed by Janus Metz Pedersen. It is based on the real-life domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski and stars Russell Crowe, Jacob Tremblay, Annabelle Wallis, and Shailene Woodley. The film was released in the United States on September 25, 2026, by Netflix.

The story begins in 1958, when 16-year-old Ted Kaczynski enters Harvard University. He participates in psychological experiments led by professor Henry Murray and Christiana Morgan. During these sessions, Ted is questioned about his beliefs and subjected to confrontational interviews. As he becomes increasingly isolated, he develops strong opposition to industrialization and technological society. Ted confronts Murray, revealing he is the author of letters praising the experiments. Murray is charged with influencing his subjects, and his evaluation of mental health is dismissed by him. Ted hands Murray a Moby-Dick edition, highlighting a section, and includes a package that mirrors the items he later mails.

In the 1990s, the FBI investigates a series of mail bombings attributed to a terrorist known as the Unabomber. Joanne Miller analyzes the bomber’s texts, seeing in the language and convictions a path to finding the perpetrator. Once the Unabomber’s manifesto appears, David and Linda, Ted’s estranged brother and wife, spot parallels with Ted’s earlier letters. They contact authorities, and Miller compares the documents. A team of investigators eventually pinpoints Ted as a suspect and finds him in a secluded cabin in Montana. The FBI raids the cabin and arrests him. The film closes with titles revealing that Ted was sentenced to life in prison and died by suicide in 2023.

The cast includes Jacob Tremblay as Ted Kaczynski, Russell Crowe as Henry Murray, Shailene Woodley, Annabelle Wallis, Alexander Ludwig, Steven Ogg, Marc Menchaca, and Gus Halper. The film was produced by 2.0 Entertainment and MRC Film, with music composed by Marco Beltrami. It was released in the United States on September 25, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. Critics offered divided opinions on the film; Rotten Tomatoes shows that 25% of 53 reviews are favorable, averaging 4.8 out of 10. Metacritic assigned it a score of 46 out of 100, indicating 'mixed or average' reviews. The film's production began in July 2020, when Sam Chalsen and Nelson Greaves were hired to write the film. In June 2025, it was announced that Jacob Tremblay, Russell Crowe, Shailene Woodley, Annabelle Wallis, Alexander Ludwig, Steven Ogg, and Marc Menchaca would star, with Janus Metz set to direct. Filming took place in Montreal, Canada, in June 2025. In March 2026, the film was retitled Unabomber.

Unabomber is available to watch on Netflix. Availability varies by country. The film is not currently in theaters.

Production details: Filming occurred in Montreal, Canada, in June 2025. The film was produced by 2.0 Entertainment and MRC Film. It was distributed by Netflix. Music was composed by Marco Beltrami. The film was released on September 25, 2026, in the United States. It has a running time of 100 minutes and an MPAA rating of R.

The critics' response on Rotten Tomatoes reflects 25% of 53 reviews being positive, averaging 4.8 points out of 10. Critics note that despite strong performance as a psychological advisor to a notorious American figure, the film's central argument fails to hold. It received a 46-point rating on Metacritic, categorized as mixed or average.

The film is not available in theaters. It is listed on Netflix, with availability varying by country.

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Where to watch

Unabomber is in US theaters now. It is listed for streaming on Netflix. Availability changes and differs by country, so check the service before you subscribe. The film box at the top of this guide links to every streaming, rental and purchase option.