Dirty Harry (1971)
Kernel Score: 83% · 2,678 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 1971-12-23
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is Dirty Harry worth watching?
Worth watching. Clint Eastwood's tough cop hunts a killer terrorizing San Francisco in the film that set the template for the renegade-cop thriller. It's tense and iconic, but its attitude is dated and controversial.
Watch it if you
- like classic 70s cop thrillers
- want to see the original rogue cop
- enjoy Clint Eastwood at his steeliest
Skip it if you
- dislike vigilante-justice politics
- want modern pacing
Best for: Classic crime night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Dirty Harry
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When a madman dubbed 'Scorpio' terrorizes San Francisco, hard-nosed cop, Harry Callahan – famous for his take-no-prisoners approach to law enforcement – is tasked with hunting down the psychopath.
Dirty Harry parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this classic R-rated crime thriller features gun violence, a serial killer, and intense police action.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Crime thriller centered on a serial killer, sniper attacks, gunfights, and beatings, per the R rating and keywords.
- Language: Moderate — Gritty 1970s crime dialogue includes tough, coarse language typical of the genre.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dirty Harry
If you liked Dirty Harry, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bullitt (1968) — 79%: Classic 60s cop thriller with a legendary chase.
- The French Connection (1971) — 87%: Gritty 70s cop thriller with a obsessed detective.
- Magnum Force (1973) — 78%: The direct sequel with more of Callahan.
- Se7en (1995) — 92%: Dark hunt for a twisted killer.
- Memories of Murder (2003) — 89%: Methodical investigation of a serial killer.
- The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) — 85%: Tense 70s city thriller.
Director
Cast
- Clint Eastwood as Harry
- Harry Guardino as Bressler
- Reni Santoni as Chico
- John Vernon as The Mayor
- Andrew Robinson as Killer
- John Larch as Chief
- John Mitchum as De Georgio
- Mae Mercer as Mrs. Russell
- Lyn Edgington as Norma
- Ruth Kobart as Bus Driver
Dirty Harry FAQ
Is Dirty Harry worth watching?
Worth watching. Clint Eastwood's tough cop hunts a killer terrorizing San Francisco in the film that set the template for the renegade-cop thriller. It's tense and iconic, but its attitude is dated and controversial.
Where can I watch Dirty Harry?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Dirty Harry OK for kids?
Dirty Harry is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this classic R-rated crime thriller features gun violence, a serial killer, and intense police action.
What movies are like Dirty Harry?
If you liked Dirty Harry, try Bullitt, The French Connection, Magnum Force and Se7en.