Empire of the Sun (1987)
Kernel Score: 85% · 2,078 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama, History, War
Released: 1987-12-09
Runtime: 153 minutes
Is Empire of the Sun worth watching?
Worth watching. Spielberg's World War II drama follows a privileged boy separated from his parents in occupied Shanghai. Christian Bale is excellent, and it is moving and well made, though the long running time and episodic shape will test some viewers.
Watch it if you
- like war stories told through a child's eyes
- enjoy epic, handsomely made dramas
- want an early Christian Bale performance
Skip it if you
- want tight, fast-moving war action
- find long, episodic films tiring
Best for: Weekend afternoon drama
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Empire of the Sun
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
Empire of the Sun parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Empire of the Sun is a PG-rated WWII drama about a young English boy separated from his parents and interned in a Japanese POW camp in Shanghai.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts wartime hardship, an atomic bomb, and internment camp conditions, though restrained for its PG rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Empire of the Sun
If you liked Empire of the Sun, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Schindler's List (1993) — 97%: Serious Spielberg war drama about survival and humanity
- The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) — 89%: Prison-camp drama about dignity under Japanese captivity
- The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008) — 87%: War seen through a child's innocent eyes
- Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) — 82%: Japanese prison-camp drama about enemies and understanding
- The Last Emperor (1987) — 85%: Epic about a boy growing up through China's upheavals
- The Book Thief (2013) — 85%: Young person finding humanity in wartime
Director
Cast
- Christian Bale as Jim
- John Malkovich as Basie
- Miranda Richardson as Mrs. Victor
- Nigel Havers as Dr. Rawlins
- Joe Pantoliano as Frank Demarest
- Leslie Phillips as Maxton
- Masatô Ibu as Sgt. Nagata
- Emily Richard as Jim's Mother
- Rupert Frazer as Jim's Father
- Peter Gale as Mr. Victor
Empire of the Sun FAQ
Is Empire of the Sun worth watching?
Worth watching. Spielberg's World War II drama follows a privileged boy separated from his parents in occupied Shanghai. Christian Bale is excellent, and it is moving and well made, though the long running time and episodic shape will test some viewers.
Where can I watch Empire of the Sun?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Empire of the Sun OK for kids?
Empire of the Sun is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Empire of the Sun is a PG-rated WWII drama about a young English boy separated from his parents and interned in a Japanese POW camp in Shanghai.
What movies are like Empire of the Sun?
If you liked Empire of the Sun, try Schindler's List, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence.