Brothers (2009)
Kernel Score: 81% · 3,863 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Thriller, War
Released: 2009-12-02
Runtime: 105 minutes
Is Brothers worth watching?
Worth watching. A Marine presumed dead returns from Afghanistan changed, and his brother has grown close to his wife. It's a grim family drama carried by three strong performances, though the plot is predictable.
Watch it if you
- like serious family dramas with strong acting
- want a war story focused on the home front
- enjoy Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal on screen together
Skip it if you
- want an action-heavy war film
- don't want a bleak, emotionally heavy story
Best for: Heavy drama night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Brothers
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When his helicopter goes down during his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan, Marine Sam Cahill is presumed dead. Back home, brother Tommy steps in to look over Sam’s wife, Grace, and two children. Sam’s surprise homecoming triggers domestic mayhem.
Brothers parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Brothers is an R-rated war drama depicting PTSD, domestic tension, and the psychological aftermath of a soldier's presumed death in Afghanistan.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — War setting includes a helicopter crash and references to combat trauma and PTSD, per reviewer comments.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Brothers
If you liked Brothers, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Hurt Locker (2008) — 81%: Another look at what war does to a soldier's mind.
- Restrepo (2010) — 80%: A raw look at soldiers in Afghanistan.
- In the Name of the Father (1993) — 86%: Jim Sheridan's drama about a family under strain.
- In America (2003) — 80%: Sheridan's tender, grief-marked family drama.
- Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023) — 87%: A soldier's loyalty tested in Afghanistan, with real emotion.
- Eye in the Sky (2015) — 77%: A tense modern-war drama where choices carry heavy consequences.
Director
Cast
- Tobey Maguire as Capt. Sam Cahill
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Tommy Cahill
- Natalie Portman as Grace Cahill
- Sam Shepard as Hank Cahill
- Mare Winningham as Elsie Cahill
- Bailee Madison as Isabelle Cahill
- Taylor Geare as Maggie Cahill
- Patrick John Flueger as Private Joe Willis
- Clifton Collins Jr. as Major Cavazos
- Carey Mulligan as Cassie Willis
Brothers FAQ
Is Brothers worth watching?
Worth watching. A Marine presumed dead returns from Afghanistan changed, and his brother has grown close to his wife. It's a grim family drama carried by three strong performances, though the plot is predictable.
Where can I watch Brothers?
In the US you can stream Brothers on Prime Video and watch it free with ads on YouTube Free.
Is Brothers OK for kids?
Brothers is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Brothers is an R-rated war drama depicting PTSD, domestic tension, and the psychological aftermath of a soldier's presumed death in Afghanistan.
What movies are like Brothers?
If you liked Brothers, try The Hurt Locker, Restrepo, In the Name of the Father and In America.