Hamlet (1948)
Kernel Score: 84% · 283 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama
Released: 1948-12-10
Runtime: 153 minutes
Where to watch Hamlet
- Stream: Fubo, The Criterion Channel, HBO Max
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Sir Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet continues to be the most compelling version of Shakespeare’s beloved tragedy. Olivier is at his most inspired—both as director and as the melancholy Dane himself—as he breathes new life into the words of one of the world’s greatest dramatists.
Hamlet parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Hamlet (1948) is a Shakespeare tragedy featuring murder, betrayal, and death.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Multiple deaths including fratricide, dueling, and poisoning drive the plot, though depicted in classic theatrical style.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Hamlet
If you liked Hamlet, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Hamlet (1996) — 81%
- Othello (1951) — 84%
- City of Men (2007) — 78%
- What Maisie Knew (2013) — 79%
- True Grit (2010) — 81%
- Stardust (2007) — 84%
- The Letter (1940) — 82%
- The Lion King (1994) — 94%
Director
Cast
- Laurence Olivier as Hamlet - Prince of Denmark / Voice of Ghost
- Basil Sydney as Claudius - The King
- Eileen Herlie as Gertrude - The Queen
- Norman Wooland as Horatio - His Friend
- Felix Aylmer as Polonius - Lord Chamberlain
- Jean Simmons as Ophelia
- Terence Morgan as Laertes
- Peter Cushing as Osric
- Stanley Holloway as Gravedigger
- Russell Thorndike as Priest
Hamlet FAQ
Is Hamlet good?
Hamlet has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 283 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Hamlet?
In the US you can stream Hamlet on Fubo, The Criterion Channel and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Hamlet OK for kids?
Hamlet is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Hamlet (1948) is a Shakespeare tragedy featuring murder, betrayal, and death.
What movies are like Hamlet?
If you liked Hamlet, try Hamlet, Othello, City of Men and What Maisie Knew.