Elite Squad (2007)

Kernel Score: 90% · 2,638 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Drama, Action, Crime

Released: 2007-10-05

Runtime: 115 minutes

Is Elite Squad worth watching?

Must-watch. A Rio special-forces captain wages a brutal campaign against drug gangs while trying to find a replacement before his first child is born. It's fast, violent and thought-provoking about police brutality.

Watch it if you

  • like gritty crime action
  • enjoy morally complicated cops
  • are okay with subtitles

Skip it if you

  • dislike graphic violence and torture scenes
  • want a heroic, clean-cut cop movie

Best for: Intense action night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Elite Squad

  • Free with ads: Plex, Tubi
  • Rent: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

In 1997, before the visit of the pope to Rio de Janeiro, Captain Nascimento from BOPE (Special Police Operations Battalion) is assigned to eliminate the risks of the drug dealers in a dangerous slum nearby where the pope intends to be lodged.

Elite Squad parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Elite Squad is an R-rated Brazilian crime drama depicting brutal police tactics against drug traffickers in Rio's favelas.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Contains intense, graphic violence including police brutality, torture, and shootouts throughout.
  • Language: Moderate — Rated R, reflecting strong language typical of gritty crime dramas.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Extensive depiction of drug dealing and trafficking as a central plot element.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Elite Squad

If you liked Elite Squad, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (2010) — 88%: The direct sequel with deeper political corruption.
  • City of God (2002) — 92%: Brazil's renowned crime epic about gangs and survival.
  • Training Day (2001) — 83%: Dirty-cop drama on tough streets.
  • Traffic (2000) — 79%: Multi-sided look at the drug war.
  • Heat (1995) — 89%: Cops and criminals in a tense, realistic duel.
  • Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%: Gritty cops-and-crooks story with real tension.

Director

José Padilha

Cast

  • Wagner Moura as Capitão Nascimento
  • André Ramiro as André Matias
  • Caio Junqueira as Neto
  • Milhem Cortaz as Capitao Fabio
  • Fernanda Machado as Maria
  • Maria Ribeiro as Rosane
  • Fábio Lago as Baiano
  • Erick Oliveira as Marcinho
  • Marcello Escorel as Coronel Otávio
  • Roberta Santiago as Rose

Elite Squad FAQ

Is Elite Squad worth watching?

Must-watch. A Rio special-forces captain wages a brutal campaign against drug gangs while trying to find a replacement before his first child is born. It's fast, violent and thought-provoking about police brutality.

Where can I watch Elite Squad?

In the US you can watch it free with ads on Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Elite Squad OK for kids?

Elite Squad is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Elite Squad is an R-rated Brazilian crime drama depicting brutal police tactics against drug traffickers in Rio's favelas.

What movies are like Elite Squad?

If you liked Elite Squad, try Elite Squad: The Enemy Within, City of God, Training Day and Traffic.