Concussion (2015)
Kernel Score: 78% · 2,683 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2015-11-12
Runtime: 123 minutes
Is Concussion worth watching?
Worth watching. Will Smith plays the forensic pathologist who discovered brain damage in football players and took on the NFL. It's a solid, well-meaning true-story drama that works better as a message than as a thriller.
Watch it if you
- like true-story David-versus-Goliath dramas
- care about sports and health issues
- want a serious, accessible watch
Skip it if you
- want a tense thriller
- dislike earnest issue movies
Best for: Serious solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Concussion
- Stream: Netflix, YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu's emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.
Concussion parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this biographical drama follows a doctor's fight to expose brain trauma in football players against a powerful institution.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The film discusses brain trauma and its effects on football players, including references to CTE-related deaths, without graphic depiction.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Concussion
If you liked Concussion, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dark Waters (2019) — 84%: Lone professional takes on a powerful industry over a hidden health danger.
- Richard Jewell (2019) — 83%: Real-life man caught in a system that treats him unfairly.
- Awakenings (1990) — 88%: Doctor-led drama about medicine and human cost.
- Something the Lord Made (2004) — 87%: True story of a determined doctor breaking barriers.
- 42 (2013) — 82%: Sports-adjacent true story about courage and prejudice.
- The Hill (2023) — 88%: Earnest, inspirational true-story drama.
Director
Peter Landesman
Cast
- Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu
- Alec Baldwin as Dr. Julian Bailes
- Albert Brooks as Dr. Cyril Wecht
- Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Prema Mutiso
- David Morse as Mike Webster
- Arliss Howard as Dr. Joseph Maroon
- Mike O'Malley as Daniel Sullivan
- Eddie Marsan as Dr. Steven DeKosky
- Hill Harper as Christopher Jones
- Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Dave Duerson
Concussion FAQ
Is Concussion worth watching?
Worth watching. Will Smith plays the forensic pathologist who discovered brain damage in football players and took on the NFL. It's a solid, well-meaning true-story drama that works better as a message than as a thriller.
Where can I watch Concussion?
In the US you can stream Concussion on Netflix and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Concussion OK for kids?
Concussion is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this biographical drama follows a doctor's fight to expose brain trauma in football players against a powerful institution.
What movies are like Concussion?
If you liked Concussion, try Dark Waters, Richard Jewell, Awakenings and Something the Lord Made.