Amistad (1997)
Kernel Score: 78% · 1,392 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, History, Mystery
Released: 1997-12-10
Runtime: 155 minutes
Where to watch Amistad
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 1839, the slave ship Amistad set sail from Cuba to America. During the long trip, Cinque leads the slaves in an unprecedented uprising. They are then held prisoner in Connecticut, and their release becomes the subject of heated debate. Freed slave Theodore Joadson wants Cinque and the others exonerated and recruits property lawyer Roger Baldwin to help his case. Eventually, John Quincy Adams also becomes an ally.
Amistad parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this Spielberg historical drama depicts the 1839 Amistad slave ship mutiny and ensuing legal battle.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts the violence of slavery including a mutiny aboard a slave ship.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Amistad
If you liked Amistad, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Emancipation (2022) — 87%
- 12 Years a Slave (2013) — 89%
- The Last of the Mohicans (1992) — 83%
- Schindler's List (1993) — 97%
- Malcolm X (1992) — 84%
- Nuremberg (2025) — 83%
- Escape from Pretoria (2020) — 81%
- Django Unchained (2012) — 89%
Director
Cast
- Morgan Freeman as Theodore Joadson
- Nigel Hawthorne as Martin Van Buren
- Anthony Hopkins as John Quincy Adams
- Djimon Hounsou as Cinque
- Matthew McConaughey as Roger Sherman Baldwin
- David Paymer as Secretary John Forsyth
- Pete Postlethwaite as Holabird
- Stellan Skarsgård as Tappan
- Razaaq Adoti as Yamba
- Abu Bakaar Fofanah as Fala
Amistad FAQ
Is Amistad good?
Amistad has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,392 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Amistad?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and YouTube Free and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Amistad OK for kids?
Amistad is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this Spielberg historical drama depicts the 1839 Amistad slave ship mutiny and ensuing legal battle.
What movies are like Amistad?
If you liked Amistad, try Emancipation, 12 Years a Slave, The Last of the Mohicans and Schindler's List.