Darkest Hour (2017)
Kernel Score: 85% · 5,449 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, History
Released: 2017-11-22
Runtime: 125 minutes
Is Darkest Hour worth watching?
Worth watching. A tight political drama about Churchill's first weeks as Prime Minister. Gary Oldman is outstanding, even if the film is more speech and doubt than action. History fans will enjoy it most.
Watch it if you
- like British history
- enjoy great lead performances
- want a focused WWII drama
Skip it if you
- want battle scenes
- dislike political talk
Best for: Evening in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Darkest Hour
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
In May 1940, the fate of World War II hangs on Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler or fight on knowing that it could mean the end of the British Empire.
Darkest Hour parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Darkest Hour is a PG-13 historical drama about Winston Churchill's WWII leadership decisions.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Depicts the wartime backdrop of WWII with references to conflict rather than graphic combat.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Darkest Hour
If you liked Darkest Hour, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dunkirk (2017) — 85%: WWII from the front line.
- Pride & Prejudice (2005) — 89%: Same director, a lavish period film.
- Atonement (2007) — 85%: Same director, a war-time drama.
- Diplomacy (2014) — 79%: Tense, talky WWII drama.
- Mrs. Miniver (1942) — 79%: A classic British home-front drama.
- Munich – The Edge of War (2021) — 77%: Political thriller set just before WWII.
Director
Cast
- Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill
- Stephen Dillane as Viscount Halifax
- Lily James as Elizabeth Layton
- Ronald Pickup as Neville Chamberlain
- Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Clemmie
- Nicholas Jones as Sir John Simon
- Samuel West as Sir Anthony Eden
- David Schofield as Clement Atlee
- Richard Lumsden as General Ismay
Darkest Hour FAQ
Is Darkest Hour worth watching?
Worth watching. A tight political drama about Churchill's first weeks as Prime Minister. Gary Oldman is outstanding, even if the film is more speech and doubt than action. History fans will enjoy it most.
Where can I watch Darkest Hour?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Darkest Hour OK for kids?
Darkest Hour is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Darkest Hour is a PG-13 historical drama about Winston Churchill's WWII leadership decisions.
What movies are like Darkest Hour?
If you liked Darkest Hour, try Dunkirk, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and Diplomacy.