Dark Waters (2019)
Kernel Score: 84% · 2,466 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Released: 2019-11-22
Runtime: 127 minutes
Is Dark Waters worth watching?
Worth watching. A corporate defense lawyer takes on a chemical giant after discovering decades of contamination. Mark Ruffalo anchors a slow, grim true-story legal drama. It's infuriating and well-acted, though a bit dry.
Watch it if you
- like true-story legal thrillers
- enjoy corporate-conspiracy dramas
- want a film that leaves you angry
Skip it if you
- want fast pacing or twists
- dislike bleak, procedural storytelling
Best for: Serious night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Dark Waters
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A tenacious attorney uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths to one of the world's largest corporations. In the process, he risks everything — his future, his family, and his own life — to expose the truth.
Dark Waters parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this PG-13 drama depicts a real-life corporate pollution cover-up, with themes of illness, death, and one man's fight for justice.
- Violence & scariness: A little — There is no physical violence; the harm depicted is corporate negligence causing cancer and death, per the plot and keywords.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dark Waters
If you liked Dark Waters, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Erin Brockovich (2000) — 83%: True story of a determined outsider taking on a polluting corporation.
- The Rainmaker (1997) — 78%: A young lawyer goes after a powerful corporation.
- Richard Jewell (2019) — 83%: True story of a man up against powerful institutions.
- Shattered Glass (2003) — 78%: True-story drama about journalism and exposing the truth.
- ...And Justice for All (1979) — 80%: Lawyer drama about conscience against a flawed system.
- Witness for the Prosecution (1957) — 89%: Classic courtroom drama with a sharp, clever plot.
Director
Cast
- Mark Ruffalo as Robert Bilott
- Anne Hathaway as Sarah Bilott
- Tim Robbins as Tom Terp
- Bill Pullman as Harry Dietzler
- Bill Camp as Wilbur Tennant
- Victor Garber as Phil Donnelly
- Mare Winningham as Darlene Kiger
- William Jackson Harper as James Ross
- Louisa Krause as Carla Pfeiffer
- Kevin Crowley as Larry Winter
Dark Waters FAQ
Is Dark Waters worth watching?
Worth watching. A corporate defense lawyer takes on a chemical giant after discovering decades of contamination. Mark Ruffalo anchors a slow, grim true-story legal drama. It's infuriating and well-acted, though a bit dry.
Where can I watch Dark Waters?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Dark Waters OK for kids?
Dark Waters is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this PG-13 drama depicts a real-life corporate pollution cover-up, with themes of illness, death, and one man's fight for justice.
What movies are like Dark Waters?
If you liked Dark Waters, try Erin Brockovich, The Rainmaker, Richard Jewell and Shattered Glass.