End of Watch (2012)
Kernel Score: 83% · 3,541 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2012-09-20
Runtime: 109 minutes
Is End of Watch worth watching?
Worth watching. Two LAPD officers patrol South Central and become targets of a cartel. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña have real chemistry and the street-level camerawork pulls you right into the car, though the found-footage style gets rough and the ending hits hard.
Watch it if you
- like gritty cop dramas
- enjoy buddy chemistry between leads
- can handle violence and a bleak tone
Skip it if you
- dislike shaky handheld footage
- want a lighter or cleaner cop story
Best for: Intense night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch End of Watch
- Stream: Fubo, Sundance Now
- Free with ads: Kanopy, The Roku Channel, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating a small cache of money and firearms from the members of a notorious cartel during a routine traffic stop.
End of Watch parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that End of Watch is an R-rated police drama with intense violence involving cartels and gangs.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts shootouts, gang violence, and brutal cartel confrontations involving police officers.
- Language: Strong — Contains frequent strong language typical of R-rated police dramas.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like End of Watch
If you liked End of Watch, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Training Day (2001) — 83%: Same director's other LA cop story, with a corrupt, charismatic lead.
- Boyz n the Hood (1991) — 86%: Hard look at life on the streets of South Central.
- Menace II Society (1993) — 85%: Unflinching drama about violence and choices in the inner city.
- American Gangster (2007) — 86%: Crime epic with a grounded, realistic feel.
- The Warriors (1979) — 87%: Tense night-time chase through gang territory.
- Fresh (1994) — 80%: Gritty tale of a kid caught in a violent city.
Director
Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Brian Taylor
- Michael Peña as Mike Zavala
- Natalie Martinez as Gabby Zavala
- Anna Kendrick as Janet Taylor
- David Harbour as Van Hauser
- Frank Grillo as Sarge
- America Ferrera as Officer Orozco
- Cody H. Carolin as Officer Davis
- Shondrella Avery as Bonita
- Hugh Daly as Homicide Detective 2
End of Watch FAQ
Is End of Watch worth watching?
Worth watching. Two LAPD officers patrol South Central and become targets of a cartel. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña have real chemistry and the street-level camerawork pulls you right into the car, though the found-footage style gets rough and the ending hits hard.
Where can I watch End of Watch?
In the US you can stream End of Watch on Fubo and Sundance Now, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, The Roku Channel, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is End of Watch OK for kids?
End of Watch is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that End of Watch is an R-rated police drama with intense violence involving cartels and gangs.
What movies are like End of Watch?
If you liked End of Watch, try Training Day, Boyz n the Hood, Menace II Society and American Gangster.