Bronson (2009)
Kernel Score: 76% · 2,626 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Action, Crime
Released: 2009-03-13
Runtime: 92 minutes
Is Bronson worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Tom Hardy plays Britain's notorious prisoner Charles Bronson in a loud, theatrical, violent portrait. Hardy is magnetic, but the film is more style than substance. A very love-it-or-hate-it watch.
Watch it if you
- want to see a big Tom Hardy performance
- like stylised, violent character studies
- enjoy Nicolas Winding Refn's visuals
Skip it if you
- dislike violent, self-indulgent films
- want a clear story
Best for: Edgy solo watch
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Bronson
- Stream: Peacock
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
A young man who was sentenced to 7 years in prison for robbing a post office ends up spending 30 years in solitary confinement. During this time, his own personality is supplanted by his alter ego, Charles Bronson.
Bronson parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Bronson is an R-rated biographical crime drama about a violent British prisoner who spends decades in solitary confinement.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts a violent inmate's confrontations within the prison system, based on the real Charles Bronson's history of violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Bronson
If you liked Bronson, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Drive (2011) — 85%: Refn's stylish, violent and quiet crime film.
- Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017) — 77%: Brutal, prison-based genre piece with a hard lead.
- Requiem for a Dream (2000) — 89%: Intense, stylised descent into extremes.
- Papillon (1973) — 87%: Classic prison story about a man's will to survive.
- Midnight Express (1978) — 84%: Harrowing prison drama.
- Pusher (1996) — 77%: Refn's gritty crime debut.
Director
Cast
- Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson / Charles Bronson
- Matt King as Paul Daniels
- James Lance as Phil
- Kelly Adams as Irene
- Katy Barker as Julie
- Amanda Burton as Charlie's Mom
- Andrew Forbes as Charlie's Dad
- Jon House as Webber
- Juliet Oldfield as Alison
- Mark Powley as Andy Love / Friendly Screw
Bronson FAQ
Is Bronson worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Tom Hardy plays Britain's notorious prisoner Charles Bronson in a loud, theatrical, violent portrait. Hardy is magnetic, but the film is more style than substance. A very love-it-or-hate-it watch.
Where can I watch Bronson?
In the US you can stream Bronson on Peacock, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Bronson OK for kids?
Bronson is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Bronson is an R-rated biographical crime drama about a violent British prisoner who spends decades in solitary confinement.
What movies are like Bronson?
If you liked Bronson, try Drive, Brawl in Cell Block 99, Requiem for a Dream and Papillon.