The Fan (1996) Review: Yes, for a tense baseball obsession thriller powered by De Niro and Snipes

Is The Fan (1996) worth watching? Yes, for a tense baseball obsession thriller powered by De Niro and Snipes. Stan Steamer and GrobeStreet make their case on Slept-On Cinema episode 53.

Hear their full argument on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Overcast.

Rotten Tomatoes vs our verdict

The Qualification List recorded 42% critics and 35% audience in its September 12, 2026 snapshot. Scores can change. The hosts' verdict: they find the low audience number baffling for a film with a strong star pairing and a premise that keeps tightening.

What is The Fan about?

Gil Renard is a salesman whose life is unraveling. His fixation on the San Francisco Giants and new player Bobby Rayburn grows increasingly dangerous as his family ties collapse and his attention narrows to one athlete.

The Slept-On Cinema case

Grobe remembers watching it with his wife; when it came time for the episode, she wanted to see it again. Both hosts are surprised the film qualifies for their show. Their Draft makes the defense specific: Stan takes Wesley Snipes first overall, even with Robert De Niro at the center of the other half of the movie. The baseball season gives the story a recognizable backdrop, while Gil's obsession turns fan devotion into something frightening. The hosts respond to that contrast rather than pretending the film is only a sports movie or only a stalker picture.

BOLOs before you watch

• An early Jack Black appearance.
• The Giants setting and period baseball details.
• The Rolling Stones songs the hosts call out.

Who should watch it?

This is a good choice if you like 1990s thrillers that turn a public figure and a private fixation into a collision. Its dark premise makes it a poor substitute for an uplifting baseball film. The episode opens spoiler-free, so listen for the setup and BOLOs, watch the film, then return for the Draft and the rest of the defense.

Keep the movie night going

Try our Snake Eyes review, browse the complete episode list, or hear this episode on Acast.