Men in Black (1997)

Overview

Men in Black (1997)

Men in Black is a 1997 American science fiction comedy action film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, based on the comic book series of the same name by Lowell Cunningham. Starring Tommy Lee Jones (Agent K), Will Smith (Agent J), Linda Fiorentino (Dr. Laurel Weaver), and Vincent D'Onofrio (Edgar/The Bug).

Plot: New York City police officer James Edwards (Will Smith) accidentally discovers the existence of a secret government organization, the Men in Black, which monitors aliens on Earth. He is recruited and becomes Agent J under the guidance of experienced Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). Together, they must find a stolen cosmic artifact—a "galaxy"—and prevent an intergalactic catastrophe.

Franchise chronology:

• Men in Black (1997) — original film. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. Runtime: 98 min. IMDb: 7.3. Plot: introduction to Agents K and J, battle with a giant alien cockroach.
• Men in Black II (2002) — sequel. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. Runtime: 88 min. IMDb: 6.2. Plot: Agent J brings K back from civilian life to save Earth from a new threat—the alien Serleena.
• Men in Black III (2012) — third film. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. Runtime: 106 min. IMDb: 6.8. Plot: Agent J travels back in time to 1969 to save K and prevent an alien invasion.
• Men in Black: International (2019) — spin-off/reboot. Directed by F. Gary Gray. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson. Plot: new MIB agents in London uncover a conspiracy within the organization.
• Men in Black: The Series (1997–2001) — animated series continuing the events of the first film. 4 seasons, 53 episodes.

New film: In December 2025, Deadline reported that Sony Pictures is developing a new Men in Black film written by Chris Bremner (screenwriter of Bad Boys for Life). Will Smith is expected to possibly return as Agent J. The project is currently in early stages.