Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
Kernel Score: 85% · 335 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 1962-07-04
Runtime: 147 minutes
Where to watch Birdman of Alcatraz
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Hoopla, Fawesome, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After killing a prison guard, convict Robert Stroud faces life imprisonment in solitary confinement. Driven nearly mad by loneliness and despair, Stroud's life gains new meaning when he happens upon a helpless baby sparrow in the exercise yard and nurses it back to health. Despite having only a third grade education, Stroud goes on to become a renowned ornithologist and achieves a greater sense of freedom and purpose behind bars than most people find in the outside world.
Birdman of Alcatraz parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Birdman of Alcatraz is a drama about a convicted murderer who finds purpose in prison through caring for birds and self-education.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Opens with a killing of a prison guard, referenced but not graphically depicted onscreen based on the synopsis.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Birdman of Alcatraz
If you liked Birdman of Alcatraz, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — 100%
- Bronson (2009) — 76%
- Cool Hand Luke (1967) — 85%
- Papillon (1973) — 87%
- Murder in the First (1995) — 80%
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) — 77%
- Bad Boys (1983) — 76%
- The Green Mile (1999) — 92%
Director
Cast
- Burt Lancaster as Robert Stroud
- Karl Malden as Harvey Shoemaker
- Thelma Ritter as Elizabeth Stroud
- Neville Brand as Bull Ransom
- Betty Field as Stella Johnson
- Telly Savalas as Feto Gomez
- Edmond O'Brien as Tom Gaddis
- Hugh Marlowe as Roy Comstock
- Whit Bissell as Dr. Ellis
- Crahan Denton as Kramer
Birdman of Alcatraz FAQ
Is Birdman of Alcatraz good?
Birdman of Alcatraz has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 335 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Birdman of Alcatraz?
In the US you can stream Birdman of Alcatraz on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Fawesome, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Birdman of Alcatraz OK for kids?
Birdman of Alcatraz is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Birdman of Alcatraz is a drama about a convicted murderer who finds purpose in prison through caring for birds and self-education.
What movies are like Birdman of Alcatraz?
If you liked Birdman of Alcatraz, try The Shawshank Redemption, Bronson, Cool Hand Luke and Papillon.