Balloon (2018)
Kernel Score: 86% · 467 ratings
Genres: Thriller, Drama, History
Released: 2018-09-27
Runtime: 125 minutes
Where to watch Balloon
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Two families attempt a daredevil plan to escape the GDR with a homemade hot air balloon, but it crashes just before the border. The Stasi finds traces of this attempt to escape and immediately starts investigations, while the two families are forced to build a new escape balloon. With each passing day the Stasi is closer on their heels – a nerve-wracking race against time begins.
Movies like Balloon
If you liked Balloon, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Lives of Others (2006) — 89%
- Run Lola Run (1998) — 81%
- M (1931) — 90%
- The Way Back (2010) — 79%
- The Bourne Supremacy (2004) — 84%
- September 5 (2024) — 77%
- Barbara (2012) — 78%
- Good Bye, Lenin! (2003) — 84%
Director
Michael Herbig
Cast
- Karoline Schuch as Doris Strelzyk
- Friedrich Mücke as Peter Strelzyk
- Alicia von Rittberg as Petra Wetzel
- David Kross as Günter Wetzel
- Jonas Holdenrieder as Frank Strelzyk
- Tilman Döbler as Andreas 'Fitscher' Strelzyk
- Thomas Kretschmann as Lieutenant Colonel Seidel
- Ronald Kukulies as Erik Baumann
- Emily Kusche as Klara Baumann
- Ulrich Brandhoff as Lieutenant Colonel Tornow
Balloon FAQ
Is Balloon good?
Balloon has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 467 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Balloon?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
What movies are like Balloon?
If you liked Balloon, try The Lives of Others, Run Lola Run, M and The Way Back.