A History of Violence (2005)
Kernel Score: 80% · 3,628 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Released: 2005-09-23
Runtime: 96 minutes
Is A History of Violence worth watching?
Worth watching. A small-town diner owner becomes a local hero after a violent incident, then people from his past show up. Cronenberg keeps it lean and tense, with a sharp take on how violence spreads.
Watch it if you
- like lean, tense thrillers
- enjoy films about hidden pasts
- want smart genre filmmaking
Skip it if you
- dislike sudden, graphic violence
- want a lot of action
Best for: Tense thriller night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch A History of Violence
- Stream: HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
An average family is thrust into the spotlight after the father commits a seemingly self-defense murder at his diner.
A History of Violence parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that A History of Violence is an R-rated crime thriller centered on a brutal robbery, mob revenge, and a man's hidden violent past.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes a brutal robbery/massacre, fights, and mob revenge violence stemming from the protagonist's double life.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A History of Violence
If you liked A History of Violence, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Eastern Promises (2007) — 84%: Same director and star, about crime and consequences.
- Miller's Crossing (1990) — 85%: A tough, stylish crime story about loyalty and violence.
- The Fly (1986) — 86%: Cronenberg's most famous film, bodily and tragic.
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — 89%: A tense, disturbing story about a man the law needs.
- The Usual Suspects (1995) — 91%: A twisty crime story about hidden identity.
- The Night of the Hunter (1955) — 89%: A menacing classic about violence in a family setting.
Director
Cast
- Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall / Joey Cusack
- Maria Bello as Edie Stall
- Ed Harris as Carl Fogarty
- William Hurt as Richie Cusack
- Ashton Holmes as Jack Stall
- Peter MacNeill as Sheriff Sam Carney
- Stephen McHattie as Leland
- Greg Bryk as Billy
- Kyle Schmid as Bobby
- Sumela Kay as Judy Danvers
A History of Violence FAQ
Is A History of Violence worth watching?
Worth watching. A small-town diner owner becomes a local hero after a violent incident, then people from his past show up. Cronenberg keeps it lean and tense, with a sharp take on how violence spreads.
Where can I watch A History of Violence?
In the US you can stream A History of Violence on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A History of Violence OK for kids?
A History of Violence is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that A History of Violence is an R-rated crime thriller centered on a brutal robbery, mob revenge, and a man's hidden violent past.
What movies are like A History of Violence?
If you liked A History of Violence, try Eastern Promises, Miller's Crossing, The Fly and The Silence of the Lambs.