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Red

Red refers primarily to the 2010 American action comedy film based on the comic book series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Red is a 2010 American action comedy film based on the comic book series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner. It follows retired black-ops agent Frank Moses as he reunites with former teammates after an assassin targets him. The title is also used for a separate 2008 thriller film, but the 2010 film is the best-known entertainment work under this name.

Plot

The 2010 Red follows Frank Moses, a retired former black-ops agent, who reunites with his old team to survive attacks and uncover the people trying to kill him. The film is an action comedy.

Cast

The principal cast includes Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, and Mary-Louise Parker, with Brian Cox, Julian McMahon, and Richard Dreyfuss also listed among the ensemble.

Release

Red premiered in U.S. theaters on October 15, 2010, and later saw home release on January 25, 2011.

Sequel

Red 2, released in 2013, is the follow-up film in the series and continues the espionage-adventure tone of the original.

Key facts

  • The 2010 film is an action comedy about retired black-ops agent Frank Moses.
  • It stars Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and others.
  • The film was released on October 15, 2010.
  • A sequel, Red 2, was released in 2013.
  • A separate 2008 thriller film also titled Red exists.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed internationally, including in Canada, and remains part of mainstream North American popular cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is the movie Red about?
Red is about retired CIA/black-ops agent Frank Moses, who reunites with his former team after an assassin targets him and a larger conspiracy emerges.
Who stars in Red?
The film stars Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, Mary-Louise Parker, Brian Cox, Julian McMahon, and Richard Dreyfuss.
When was Red released?
Red was released in U.S. theaters on October 15, 2010.
Is Red a comedy?
Yes. The 2010 film is described as an action comedy.
What is Red 2 about?
Red 2 is the sequel to Red and continues the story of Frank Moses and his team as they face new threats in another espionage-oriented mission.
Where can I watch Red?
Availability varies by region and over time, but sources note a home streaming release date of January 25, 2011; current viewing options depend on local streaming and rental services.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_(2010_film)
    Supports: Film identity, plot, cast, writer/director, genre
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/red
    Supports: Genre, synopsis, release date, runtime, cast
  3. Movie Insider — https://www.movieinsider.com/m4818/red
    Supports: Theatrical release date and home release date
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245526/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary for the 2010 film
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_(2008_film)
    Supports: Distinguishes the separate 2008 film titled Red
  6. AllMovie — https://www.allmovie.com/movie/red-am12372
    Supports: Film description and cast
  7. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/red-2010
    Supports: Cast and film premise
  8. Namu Wiki — https://en.namu.wiki/w/%EB%A0%88%EB%93%9C(%EC%98%81%ED%99%94)
    Supports: Sequel mention