Crash (2005)
Kernel Score: 81% · 3,786 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2005-05-06
Runtime: 112 minutes
Is Crash worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Interlocking stories about race in Los Angeles. It's well acted and emotional, but the coincidences are forced and the message is heavy-handed. Some find it moving; others find it preachy.
Watch it if you
- like multi-story ensemble dramas
- want a film that provokes debate
- enjoy strong performances
Skip it if you
- dislike obvious coincidences and speeches
- want subtle treatment of race
Best for: Discussion-starting drama night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Crash
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, The CW, Fandango at Home
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In post-Sept. 11 Los Angeles, tensions erupt when the lives of a Brentwood housewife, her district attorney husband, a Persian shopkeeper, two cops, a pair of carjackers and a Korean couple converge during a 36-hour period.
Crash parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Crash is an R-rated drama exploring racial tension and bigotry through interwoven Los Angeles storylines.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes a car crash, a shooting, and other violent incidents woven through multiple storylines, rated R.
- Language: Moderate — R rating reflects strong language including racial slurs used to depict bigotry.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Crash
If you liked Crash, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Boyz n the Hood (1991) — 86%: A direct, powerful look at life in South Central Los Angeles.
- Fruitvale Station (2013) — 81%: A real-life story that hits hard on race and justice.
- The Hate U Give (2018) — 89%: A modern drama about race, justice and a community.
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) — 90%: Anger, grief and justice collide in a dark, sharp story.
- 13th (2016) — 90%: A documentary on the system behind the problems Crash dramatises.
- Collateral (2004) — 80%: Another Los Angeles night-time crime story with sharp characters.
Director
Cast
- Don Cheadle as Det. Graham Waters
- Sandra Bullock as Jean Cabot
- Brendan Fraser as Rick Cabot
- Matt Dillon as Officer John Ryan
- Jennifer Esposito as Ria
- Michael Peña as Daniel Ruiz
- Terrence Howard as Cameron Thayer
- Thandiwe Newton as Christine Thayer
- Ludacris as Anthony
- Larenz Tate as Peter
Crash FAQ
Is Crash worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Interlocking stories about race in Los Angeles. It's well acted and emotional, but the coincidences are forced and the message is heavy-handed. Some find it moving; others find it preachy.
Where can I watch Crash?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, The CW and Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Crash OK for kids?
Crash is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Crash is an R-rated drama exploring racial tension and bigotry through interwoven Los Angeles storylines.
What movies are like Crash?
If you liked Crash, try Boyz n the Hood, Fruitvale Station, The Hate U Give and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.