Cry Freedom (1987)
Kernel Score: 78% · 228 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama
Released: 1987-11-06
Runtime: 157 minutes
Where to watch Cry Freedom
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
A dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko, a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist.
Cry Freedom parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Cry Freedom depicts real-life anti-apartheid activism in South Africa, including police corruption and racism against a courageous black activist and his journalist ally.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts police corruption and violence against activists in apartheid-era South Africa, including the death of an activist in custody.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Cry Freedom
If you liked Cry Freedom, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Radio (2003) — 83%
- The Best of Enemies (2019) — 82%
- The Hurricane (1999) — 85%
- Mr. Church (2016) — 85%
- Invictus (2009) — 82%
- The Banker (2020) — 86%
- Escape from Pretoria (2020) — 81%
- Richard Jewell (2019) — 83%
Director
Cast
- Kevin Kline as Donald Woods
- Denzel Washington as Steve Biko
- Penelope Wilton as Wendy Woods
- Kate Hardie as Jane Woods
- John Matshikiza as Mapetla
- Zakes Mokae as Father Kani
- John Thaw as Kruger
- Kevin McNally as Ken
- John Hargreaves as Bruce
- Juanita Waterman as Ntsiki Biko
Cry Freedom FAQ
Is Cry Freedom good?
Cry Freedom has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 228 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Cry Freedom?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Cry Freedom OK for kids?
Cry Freedom is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Cry Freedom depicts real-life anti-apartheid activism in South Africa, including police corruption and racism against a courageous black activist and his journalist ally.
What movies are like Cry Freedom?
If you liked Cry Freedom, try Radio, The Best of Enemies, The Hurricane and Mr. Church.