1917 (2019)
Kernel Score: 92% · 13,336 ratings · Rated R
Genres: War, History
Released: 2019-12-25
Runtime: 119 minutes
Is 1917 worth watching?
Must-watch. A World War I mission shot to look like one unbroken take. The technique pulls you into the trenches and never lets go, and the cast of young soldiers keeps it human. Visually extraordinary and tense throughout.
Watch it if you
- want a war film that feels immediate
- admire technical craft and ambitious cinematography
- like simple stories told with force
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic war violence
- want a plot-heavy or character-heavy drama
Best for: Big-screen night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch 1917
- Stream: Netflix
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers.
1917 parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that 1917 is an intense World War I drama following two soldiers on a dangerous mission across enemy territory, featuring realistic war violence.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts intense trench warfare, death, and wartime brutality in near-real time.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like 1917
If you liked 1917, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dunkirk (2017) — 85%: Another tightly built, immersive war film from the same era.
- All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) — 87%: Powerful look at the horror of the trenches.
- Saving Private Ryan (1998) — 95%: Landmark combat film about soldiers on a dangerous mission.
- Paths of Glory (1957) — 91%: Classic World War I drama of command and cruelty.
- They Shall Not Grow Old (2018) — 87%: Real footage that shows the trenches as they were.
- Hacksaw Ridge (2016) — 92%: Harrowing, humane war story based on true events.
Director
Cast
- George MacKay as Lance Corporal Schofield
- Dean-Charles Chapman as Lance Corporal Blake
- Mark Strong as Captain Smith
- Andrew Scott as Lieutenant Leslie
- Richard Madden as Lieutenant Blake
- Claire Duburcq as Lauri
- Colin Firth as General Erinmore
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Colonel MacKenzie
- Daniel Mays as Sergeant Sanders
- Adrian Scarborough as Major Hepburn
1917 FAQ
Is 1917 worth watching?
Must-watch. A World War I mission shot to look like one unbroken take. The technique pulls you into the trenches and never lets go, and the cast of young soldiers keeps it human. Visually extraordinary and tense throughout.
Where can I watch 1917?
In the US you can stream 1917 on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is 1917 OK for kids?
1917 is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that 1917 is an intense World War I drama following two soldiers on a dangerous mission across enemy territory, featuring realistic war violence.
What movies are like 1917?
If you liked 1917, try Dunkirk, All Quiet on the Western Front, Saving Private Ryan and Paths of Glory.