Breaking the Waves (1996)
Kernel Score: 86% · 1,097 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 1996-07-05
Runtime: 159 minutes
Where to watch Breaking the Waves
- Stream: MUBI
- Rent: Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In a small, conservative Scottish village, an oilman is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when he urges her to have sex with another.
Breaking the Waves parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated drama involves prostitution, coercion, and disturbing sexual content tied to religious guilt.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Intense — Includes prostitution, coercion into sex with others, and polyamory as central plot elements.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Breaking the Waves
If you liked Breaking the Waves, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Braveheart (1995) — 95%
- Tell It to the Bees (2019) — 85%
- Jules and Jim (1962) — 85%
- Macbeth (1971) — 78%
- Bitter Moon (1992) — 77%
- The Secret Life of Words (2005) — 75%
- Diary of a Country Priest (1951) — 83%
- Office Romance (1977) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Emily Watson as Bess McNeill
- Stellan Skarsgård as Jan Nyman
- Katrin Cartlidge as Dodo McNeill
- Jean-Marc Barr as Terry
- Adrian Rawlins as Dr. Richardson
- Jonathan Hackett as Priest
- Sandra Voe as Mother
- Udo Kier as Sadistic Sailor
- Mikkel Gaup as Pits
- Roef Ragas as Pim
Breaking the Waves FAQ
Is Breaking the Waves good?
Breaking the Waves has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,097 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Breaking the Waves?
In the US you can stream Breaking the Waves on MUBI and rent it from Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is Breaking the Waves OK for kids?
Breaking the Waves is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated drama involves prostitution, coercion, and disturbing sexual content tied to religious guilt.
What movies are like Breaking the Waves?
If you liked Breaking the Waves, try Braveheart, Tell It to the Bees, Jules and Jim and Macbeth.