TMDB19801h 57mThriller / Mystery / Crime

The Formula

Name: The Formula
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Released: 1980-12-19
Duration: 117 min

Big Oil. Big Money. Big Mystery. Everyone’s out to make a killing.

While investigating the death of a friend and fellow cop, Los Angeles police officer Barney Caine stumbles across evidence that Nazis created a synthetic alternative to gasoline during World War II. This revelation has the potential to end the established global oil industry, making the formula a very valuable and dangerous piece of information. Eventually, Caine must contend with oil tycoon Adam Steiffel, who clearly has his own agenda regarding the formula.

TMDB audience score

Based on 51 votes

Saved only on this device unless you sign in.

Availability in the UK

Where the story is waiting

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UK only · Refreshed 12 Oct 2026.

MyCinema quick facts

The Formula at a glance

Worked out from the film's TMDB record and its United Kingdom provider listings. These are facts about the data, not a review.

Runtime

Standard length · 1h 57m

At 1h 57m it sits between 90 minutes and two hours.

Genres

Thriller · Mystery · Crime

TMDB files it under thriller, mystery, and crime.

UK availability

3 subscriptions · 4 to rent · 4 to buy

Included with 3 subscription services: Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, and Artiflix. Listed to rent from 4 stores. Listed to buy from 4 stores.

TMDB audience score

5.5 / 10 on TMDB

TMDB users rate it 5.5 out of 10 across 51 votes, a mixed audience score. That is a moderate sample of voters.

Why watch The Formula tonight

It is a regular evening's length at 1h 57m.
It is included with Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, and Artiflix in the UK, so there is no rental fee if you already subscribe.
There is a trailer on this page if you want a look first.