The 39 Steps

What viewers say

Viewers praise this early spy-chase thriller for its fast pace, witty dialogue, the sparky pairing of its two leads and a clever final twist, and many see it as a thrilling and funny blueprint for later suspense films. Parents and film fans call it a must-watch for suspense lovers. Criticisms are that the plot can be hard to follow, the shadowy organization at the heart of it fades for long stretches, a few moments feel contrived, and it is not considered among the director's very best. Violence is mild by modern standards, with some stabbing, shooting and a bar fight, plus period smoking and drinking.

Best for: Viewers who enjoy brisk, witty, old-fashioned mystery-thrillers and don't mind a plot that moves fast.

Summary of public viewer reviews, updated November 2026.