Black Widow (2021)
Kernel Score: 81% · 11,056 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 2021-07-07
Runtime: 134 minutes
Is Black Widow worth watching?
Worth watching. A spy-action Marvel film that finally gives Natasha her own story, with a strong family dynamic and good fights. It's solid rather than special, and works best if you know the Avengers films.
Watch it if you
- follow the Marvel films
- like spy-style action
- enjoy sibling-style banter
Skip it if you
- haven't seen the earlier Marvel films
- want something original
Best for: Action night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Black Widow
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.
Black Widow parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Black Widow is a PG-13 Marvel spy-action film with frequent combat and espionage violence but no significant sexual content.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Frequent spy-action combat, gunfights, and stunts typical of a Marvel superhero film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Black Widow
If you liked Black Widow, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) — 86%: Spy-thriller Marvel film with great action.
- The Avengers (2012) — 87%: The team-up that started it all.
- Iron Man (2008) — 85%: The film that launched the series.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) — 86%: Marvel with a stronger sense of family.
- Thunderbolts* (2025) — 82%: Marvel misfits with a sharper edge.
- The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) — 79%: Stylish spy caper with a good cast.
Director
Cate Shortland
Cast
- Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
- Rachel Weisz as Melina
- David Harbour as Alexei
- Ray Winstone as Dreykov
- Ever Anderson as Young Natasha
- Violet McGraw as Young Yelena
- O-T Fagbenle as Mason
- William Hurt as Secretary Ross
- Olga Kurylenko as Antonia / Taskmaster
Black Widow FAQ
Is Black Widow worth watching?
Worth watching. A spy-action Marvel film that finally gives Natasha her own story, with a strong family dynamic and good fights. It's solid rather than special, and works best if you know the Avengers films.
Where can I watch Black Widow?
In the US you can stream Black Widow on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Black Widow OK for kids?
Black Widow is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Black Widow is a PG-13 Marvel spy-action film with frequent combat and espionage violence but no significant sexual content.
What movies are like Black Widow?
If you liked Black Widow, try Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Avengers, Iron Man and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.