First Cow (2020)
Kernel Score: 80% · 521 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Western
Released: 2020-03-06
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to watch First Cow
- Free with ads: YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the 1820s, a taciturn loner and skilled cook travels west to Oregon Territory, where he meets a Chinese immigrant also seeking his fortune. Soon the two team up on a dangerous scheme to steal milk from the wealthy landowner’s prized Jersey cow—the first, and only, in the territory.
First Cow parents' guide: ages 9+
Parents need to know that First Cow is a PG-13 period drama about two men who form a friendship over a risky scheme to steal milk in 1820s Oregon Territory.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Contains some tension and implied danger from a wealthy landowner but little direct violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like First Cow
If you liked First Cow, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Cowboys (1972) — 79%
- Rio Bravo (1959) — 86%
- 3:10 to Yuma (1957) — 80%
- Stand by Me (1986) — 89%
- Dances with Wolves (1990) — 88%
- News of the World (2020) — 78%
- Hombre (1967) — 77%
- Train Dreams (2025) — 80%
Director
Kelly Reichardt
Cast
- John Magaro as Cookie
- Orion Lee as King-Lu
- Toby Jones as Chief Factor
- Ewen Bremner as Lloyd
- Scott Shepherd as Captain
- Gary Farmer as Totillicum
- Lily Gladstone as Chief Factor’s Wife
- Alia Shawkat as Woman with Dog
- Dylan Smith as Trapper Jack
- Ryan Findley as Trapper Dame
First Cow FAQ
Is First Cow good?
First Cow has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 521 audience ratings.
Where can I watch First Cow?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is First Cow OK for kids?
First Cow is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 9+. Parents need to know that First Cow is a PG-13 period drama about two men who form a friendship over a risky scheme to steal milk in 1820s Oregon Territory.
What movies are like First Cow?
If you liked First Cow, try The Cowboys, Rio Bravo, 3:10 to Yuma and Stand by Me.