Gandhi (1982)

Kernel Score: 85% · 2,469 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Drama, History

Released: 1982-12-01

Runtime: 191 minutes

Is Gandhi worth watching?

Must-watch. A sweeping, three-hour biography of Gandhi and India's push for independence. Ben Kingsley is superb, and the scale is huge. It's a long, respectful epic that sometimes plays safe, but it holds attention.

Watch it if you

  • like big historical biopics
  • enjoy a strong central performance
  • want to learn the story of Indian independence

Skip it if you

  • dislike three-hour running times
  • want a critical, complicated take on its subject

Best for: Long weekend evening

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

Where to watch Gandhi

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

In the early years of the 20th century, Mohandas K. Gandhi, a British-trained lawyer, forsakes all worldly possessions to take up the cause of Indian independence. Faced with armed resistance from the British government, Gandhi adopts a policy of 'passive resistance', endeavouring to win freedom for his people without resorting to bloodshed.

Gandhi parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Gandhi is a PG historical drama depicting nonviolent resistance, imprisonment, and colonial-era conflict, including scenes of violence against protesters.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts violent crackdowns on peaceful demonstrators and wartime imprisonment.

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

Movies like Gandhi

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

  • The Last Emperor (1987) — 85%: Another sweeping historical epic about a figure at a turning point.
  • Cry Freedom (1987) — 78%: Same director on a different struggle against injustice.
  • Chaplin (1992) — 82%: Same director's biopic with a standout lead performance.
  • Invictus (2009) — 82%: Leader's real-life push for unity, with a strong lead performance.
  • The Great Debaters (2007) — 81%: Inspiring true story about the power of words and principle.
  • Hidden Figures (2016) — 90%: True story of people who changed history through persistence.

Director

Richard Attenborough

Cast

  • Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi
  • Candice Bergen as Margaret Bourke-White
  • Edward Fox as General Dyer
  • John Gielgud as Lord Irwin
  • Trevor Howard as Judge Broomfield
  • John Mills as Lord Chelmsford
  • Rohini Hattangadi as Kasturba Gandhi
  • Martin Sheen as Vince Walker
  • Ian Charleson as Reverend Charlie Andrews
  • Harsh Nayyar as Nathuram Godse

Gandhi FAQ

Is Gandhi worth watching?

Must-watch. A sweeping, three-hour biography of Gandhi and India's push for independence. Ben Kingsley is superb, and the scale is huge. It's a long, respectful epic that sometimes plays safe, but it holds attention.

Where can I watch Gandhi?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Gandhi OK for kids?

Gandhi is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Gandhi is a PG historical drama depicting nonviolent resistance, imprisonment, and colonial-era conflict, including scenes of violence against protesters.

What movies are like Gandhi?

If you liked Gandhi, try The Last Emperor, Cry Freedom, Chaplin and Invictus.