Brubaker (1980)
Kernel Score: 80% · 509 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 1980-06-20
Runtime: 125 minutes
Where to watch Brubaker
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.
Brubaker parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that Brubaker is an R-rated prison drama depicting corruption, prisoner abuse, and brutality at a 1960s Arkansas prison farm based on a true story.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes prison brutality and abuse of inmates depicted as part of exposing real-life corruption.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Brubaker
If you liked Brubaker, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Cool Hand Luke (1967) — 85%
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — 100%
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) — 77%
- Midnight Express (1978) — 84%
- Bronson (2009) — 76%
- Murder in the First (1995) — 80%
- White Heat (1949) — 84%
- Papillon (1973) — 87%
Director
Stuart Rosenberg
Cast
- Robert Redford as Brubaker
- Yaphet Kotto as Dickie Coombes
- Jane Alexander as Lillian
- Murray Hamilton as Deach
- David Keith as Larry Lee Bullen
- Morgan Freeman as Walter
- Matt Clark as Purcell
- Tim McIntire as Huey Rauch
- Richard Ward as Abraham
- Jon Van Ness as Zaranska
Brubaker FAQ
Is Brubaker good?
Brubaker has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 509 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Brubaker?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Brubaker OK for kids?
Brubaker is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that Brubaker is an R-rated prison drama depicting corruption, prisoner abuse, and brutality at a 1960s Arkansas prison farm based on a true story.
What movies are like Brubaker?
If you liked Brubaker, try Cool Hand Luke, The Shawshank Redemption, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile and Midnight Express.