Fort Apache (1948)
Kernel Score: 78% · 398 TMDB ratings
Genres: Western
Released: 1948-05-21
Runtime: 128 minutes
Where to watch Fort Apache
- Free with ads: Fawesome
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-11.
Overview
Owen Thursday sees his new posting to the desolate Fort Apache as a chance to claim the military honour which he believes is rightfully his. Arrogant, obsessed with military form and ultimately self-destructive, he attempts to destroy the Apache chief Cochise after luring him across the border from Mexico, against the advice of his subordinates.
Fort Apache parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Fort Apache is a black-and-white Western involving military conflict with Native Americans, including torture and slaughter.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes military slaughter and a character tortured to death, depicted in classic Western style without graphic detail.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Fort Apache
If you liked Fort Apache, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) — 84%
- The Man from Laramie (1955) — 79%
- Hombre (1967) — 77%
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) — 87%
- Dead Man (1995) — 81%
- Dances with Wolves (1990) — 88%
- News of the World (2020) — 78%
- Legends of the Fall (1994) — 84%
Director
Cast
- John Wayne as Capt. Kirby York
- Henry Fonda as Lt. Col. Owen Thursday
- Shirley Temple as Philadelphia Thursday
- Pedro Armendáriz as Sgt. Beaufort
- Ward Bond as Sgt. Maj. Michael O'Rourke
- George O'Brien as Capt. Sam Collingwood
- Victor McLaglen as Sgt. Festus Mulcahy
- Anna Lee as Mrs. Emily Collingwood
- Irene Rich as Mrs. Mary O'Rourke
- Dick Foran as Sgt. Quincannon
Fort Apache FAQ
Is Fort Apache good?
Fort Apache has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch Fort Apache?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Fawesome and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Fort Apache OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Fort Apache is a black-and-white Western involving military conflict with Native Americans, including torture and slaughter.
What movies are like Fort Apache?
If you liked Fort Apache, try The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Man from Laramie, Hombre and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.