American History X (1998)
Kernel Score: 91% · 12,370 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1998-07-01
Runtime: 119 minutes
Is American History X worth watching?
Must-watch. A hard-hitting drama about a former neo-Nazi trying to leave that life, with a powerful central performance by Edward Norton. Violent and disturbing, but serious and sincere.
Watch it if you
- want a serious, thought-provoking drama
- like strong lead performances
- can handle racist language and brutal violence
Skip it if you
- want a light watch
- are sensitive to graphic hate and violence
Best for: Serious solo watch
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch American History X
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
American History X parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that American History X is a brutal, mature drama about a former neo-Nazi confronting his violent past.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic, disturbing violence including racially motivated murder and prison brutality is central to the film.
- Language: Strong — Frequent harsh language including racial slurs used to depict bigotry.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like American History X
If you liked American History X, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- This Is England (2007) — 83%: British drama about young people drawn into extremism.
- Detachment (2011) — 85%: Same director, with another unsparing, serious drama.
- The Best of Enemies (2019) — 82%: True story about prejudice and unlikely understanding.
- Fight Club (1999) — 96%: Another intense film about anger and identity.
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — 100%: A powerful drama about hope inside a hard system.
- Dead Man's Shoes (2004) — 79%: Dark revenge drama with gritty realism.
Director
Tony Kaye
Cast
- Edward Norton as Derek
- Edward Furlong as Danny
- Beverly D'Angelo as Doris
- Jennifer Lien as Davina
- Ethan Suplee as Seth
- Fairuza Balk as Stacey
- Avery Brooks as Sweeney
- Elliott Gould as Murray
- Stacy Keach as Cameron
- William Russ as Dennis
American History X FAQ
Is American History X worth watching?
Must-watch. A hard-hitting drama about a former neo-Nazi trying to leave that life, with a powerful central performance by Edward Norton. Violent and disturbing, but serious and sincere.
Where can I watch American History X?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is American History X OK for kids?
American History X is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that American History X is a brutal, mature drama about a former neo-Nazi confronting his violent past.
What movies are like American History X?
If you liked American History X, try This Is England, Detachment, The Best of Enemies and Fight Club.