Breathless (1960)
Kernel Score: 84% · 1,988 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 1960-03-16
Runtime: 90 minutes
Where to watch Breathless
- Stream: Darkroom, HBO Max
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A small-time thief steals a car and impulsively murders a motorcycle policeman. Wanted by the authorities, he attempts to persuade a girl to run away to Italy with him.
Breathless parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Breathless is an unrated French New Wave crime drama involving a murder and a fugitive romance.
- Violence & scariness: Some — A police officer is impulsively murdered by the protagonist early in the film.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Includes an extramarital affair and romantic/sexual tension between the leads.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Features smoking throughout, characteristic of the film's French New Wave style.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Breathless
If you liked Breathless, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Le Samouraï (1967) — 89%
- The Inquisitor (1981) — 84%
- Rififi (1955) — 87%
- Les Misérables (1998) — 80%
- Before Sunset (2004) — 87%
- Badlands (1974) — 84%
- The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — 84%
- Bonnie and Clyde (1967) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Jean-Paul Belmondo as Michel Poiccard / László Kovács
- Jean Seberg as Patricia Franchini
- Daniel Boulanger as Police Inspector Vital
- Henri-Jacques Huet as Antonio Berrutti
- Roger Hanin as Carl Zubart
- Van Doude as American Journalist, Patricia's Friend
- Claude Mansard as Claudius Mansard
- Liliane Dreyfus as Liliane / Minouche
- Michel Fabre as Police Inspector #2
- Jean-Pierre Melville as Parvulesco the Writer
Breathless FAQ
Is Breathless good?
Breathless has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,988 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Breathless?
In the US you can stream Breathless on Darkroom and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Breathless OK for kids?
Breathless is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Breathless is an unrated French New Wave crime drama involving a murder and a fugitive romance.
What movies are like Breathless?
If you liked Breathless, try Le Samouraï, The Inquisitor, Rififi and Les Misérables.