Children of Men (2006)
Kernel Score: 85% · 7,697 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Released: 2006-09-22
Runtime: 109 minutes
Is Children of Men worth watching?
Must-watch. A bleak and astonishingly well-made sci-fi thriller set in a world where no children are born. The long unbroken takes put you right inside the action, and the ending is moving.
Watch it if you
- like grounded dystopian sci-fi
- admire great camera work
- want a thriller with emotional weight
Skip it if you
- dislike bleak, violent futures
- want something upbeat
Best for: Serious night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Children of Men
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind.
Children of Men parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated dystopian thriller has intense violence including bombings and gun battles.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes bombings, shootings, and war-like combat in a dystopian setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Children of Men
If you liked Children of Men, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- V for Vendetta (2006) — 87%: A dystopian near-future under a controlling state.
- Gravity (2013) — 81%: Same director, tense, immersive survival filmmaking.
- Brazil (1985) — 84%: A dark, strange dystopia with a satirical streak.
- Roma (2018) — 84%: Same director's quieter, human story.
- Predestination (2014) — 84%: A mind-bending, emotional sci-fi puzzle.
- The Long Walk (2025) — 77%: A bleak future built around a deadly contest.
Director
Cast
- Clive Owen as Theo Faron
- Clare-Hope Ashitey as Kee
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Luke
- Julianne Moore as Julian
- Michael Caine as Jasper
- Pam Ferris as Miriam
- Charlie Hunnam as Patric
- Danny Huston as Nigel
- Peter Mullan as Syd
- Oana Pellea as Marichka
Children of Men FAQ
Is Children of Men worth watching?
Must-watch. A bleak and astonishingly well-made sci-fi thriller set in a world where no children are born. The long unbroken takes put you right inside the action, and the ending is moving.
Where can I watch Children of Men?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Children of Men OK for kids?
Children of Men is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated dystopian thriller has intense violence including bombings and gun battles.
What movies are like Children of Men?
If you liked Children of Men, try V for Vendetta, Gravity, Brazil and Roma.