Dead Man Walking (1995)
Kernel Score: 83% · 1,467 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1995-12-29
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to watch Dead Man Walking
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, Philo, YouTube TV, MGM+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A death row inmate turns for spiritual guidance to a local nun in the days leading up to his scheduled execution for the murders of a young couple.
Dead Man Walking parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Dead Man Walking is a serious R-rated drama about a death row inmate and a nun confronting themes of murder, rape, and capital punishment.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — The plot involves murders, rape, and a death row execution, treated with dramatic weight rather than graphic display.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dead Man Walking
If you liked Dead Man Walking, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) — 80%
- The Magdalene Sisters (2002) — 85%
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) — 93%
- The Life of David Gale (2003) — 84%
- To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) — 88%
- La Strada (1954) — 89%
- Cape Fear (1991) — 84%
- Sleepers (1996) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Susan Sarandon as Sister Helen Prejean
- Sean Penn as Matthew Poncelet
- Robert Prosky as Hilton Barber
- Raymond J. Barry as Earl Delacroix
- R. Lee Ermey as Clyde Percy
- Celia Weston as Mary Beth Percy
- Lois Smith as Helen's Mother
- Scott Wilson as Chaplain Farley
- Roberta Maxwell as Lucille Poncelet
- Margo Martindale as Sister Colleen
Dead Man Walking FAQ
Is Dead Man Walking good?
Dead Man Walking has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,467 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Dead Man Walking?
In the US you can stream Dead Man Walking on Fubo, Paramount+, Philo, YouTube TV and MGM+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Dead Man Walking OK for kids?
Dead Man Walking is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Dead Man Walking is a serious R-rated drama about a death row inmate and a nun confronting themes of murder, rape, and capital punishment.
What movies are like Dead Man Walking?
If you liked Dead Man Walking, try The Last Temptation of Christ, The Magdalene Sisters, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Life of David Gale.