Birdy (1984)
Kernel Score: 78% · 559 ratings
Genres: Drama, War
Released: 1984-12-14
Runtime: 120 minutes
Where to watch Birdy
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Fawesome, The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Two young men are seriously affected by the Vietnam War. One of them has always been obsessed with birds - but now believes he really is a bird, and has been sent to a mental hospital. Can his friend help him pull through?
Birdy parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Birdy is a drama about two young men psychologically scarred by the Vietnam War, one of whom is institutionalized.
- Violence & scariness: Some — References the trauma and psychological toll of the Vietnam War, including confinement in a mental hospital.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Birdy
If you liked Birdy, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Apocalypse Now (1979) — 91%
- Casualties of War (1989) — 81%
- The Deer Hunter (1978) — 89%
- Platoon (1986) — 87%
- Born on the Fourth of July (1989) — 79%
- Full Metal Jacket (1987) — 90%
- The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022) — 85%
- The Last Full Measure (2020) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Matthew Modine as Birdy
- Nicolas Cage as Sergeant Al Columbato
- John Harkins as Doctor Major Weiss
- Sandy Baron as Mr. Columbato
- Karen Young as Hannah Rourke
- Bruno Kirby as Renaldi
- Nancy Fish as Mrs. Prevost
- George Buck as Birdy's Father
- Dolores Sage as Birdy's Mother
- Pat Ryan as Joe Sagessa
Birdy FAQ
Is Birdy good?
Birdy has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 559 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Birdy?
In the US you can stream Birdy on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Birdy OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Birdy is a drama about two young men psychologically scarred by the Vietnam War, one of whom is institutionalized.
What movies are like Birdy?
If you liked Birdy, try Apocalypse Now, Casualties of War, The Deer Hunter and Platoon.