Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,849 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, War
Released: 1989-12-20
Runtime: 145 minutes
Where to watch Born on the Fourth of July
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, Ron Kovic becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for.
Born on the Fourth of July parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Born on the Fourth of July is an R-rated war drama about a paralyzed Vietnam veteran's difficult journey to activism.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts intense war violence and its lasting physical and psychological toll, including PTSD.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Includes depictions of drunkenness as the veteran struggles to cope.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Born on the Fourth of July
If you liked Born on the Fourth of July, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Deer Hunter (1978) — 89%
- Casualties of War (1989) — 81%
- Taxi Driver (1976) — 90%
- The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022) — 85%
- Birdy (1984) — 78%
- Forrest Gump (1994) — 97%
- Requiem for a Dream (2000) — 89%
- The Doors (1991) — 80%
Director
Cast
- Tom Cruise as Ron Kovic
- Raymond J. Barry as Mr. Kovic
- Caroline Kava as Mrs. Kovic
- Kyra Sedgwick as Donna
- Willem Dafoe as Charlie
- Jerry Levine as Steve Boyer
- Stephen Baldwin as Billy Vorsovich
- Josh Evans as Tommy Kovic
- Rob Camilletti as Tommy Finnelli
- Vivica A. Fox as Hooker
Born on the Fourth of July FAQ
Is Born on the Fourth of July good?
Born on the Fourth of July has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,849 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Born on the Fourth of July?
In the US you can stream Born on the Fourth of July on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Born on the Fourth of July OK for kids?
Born on the Fourth of July is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Born on the Fourth of July is an R-rated war drama about a paralyzed Vietnam veteran's difficult journey to activism.
What movies are like Born on the Fourth of July?
If you liked Born on the Fourth of July, try The Deer Hunter, Casualties of War, Taxi Driver and The Greatest Beer Run Ever.