Fear is a 1996 American psychological thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, Reese Witherspoon, William Petersen, Alyssa Milano and Amy Brenneman. The film was largely derided by critics but became a sleeper hit in the spring of 1996, grossing $20 million at the U.S. box office. It has since become a cult film, while at the same time launching teen idol status for its two young leads.