Independence Day (1996)
Kernel Score: 80% · 10,526 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 1996-07-02
Runtime: 145 minutes
Is Independence Day worth watching?
Worth watching. A big, silly, thrilling alien-invasion blockbuster with a cheerful cast and big action. It's more fun than clever, and it holds up as popcorn entertainment.
Watch it if you
- like disaster blockbusters
- enjoy Will Smith's charm
- want a mix of action and humour
Skip it if you
- want realistic science fiction
- dislike patriotic speeches
Best for: Popcorn night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Independence Day
- Stream: Fubo, YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, tru TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived. Its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.
Movies like Independence Day
If you liked Independence Day, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Star Trek (2009) — 83%: Fun space adventure with a likeable cast.
- Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) — 83%: Bigger space action sequel.
- A Quiet Place (2018) — 83%: Tense alien thriller with a small cast.
- Predator (1987) — 85%: Alien hunter story with great action.
- Avatar (2009) — 86%: Huge spectacle with a big visual world.
Director
Cast
- Will Smith as Capt. Steven Hiller
- Bill Pullman as President Thomas J. Whitmore
- Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson
- Mary McDonnell as Marilyn Whitmore
- Judd Hirsch as Julius Levinson
- Robert Loggia as General William Grey
- Randy Quaid as Russell Casse
- Margaret Colin as Constance Spano
- James Rebhorn as Albert Nimzicki
- Harvey Fierstein as Marty Gilbert
Independence Day FAQ
Is Independence Day worth watching?
Worth watching. A big, silly, thrilling alien-invasion blockbuster with a cheerful cast and big action. It's more fun than clever, and it holds up as popcorn entertainment.
Where can I watch Independence Day?
In the US you can stream Independence Day on Fubo, YouTube TV, TNT, TBS and tru TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
What is Independence Day rated?
Independence Day is rated PG-13.
What movies are like Independence Day?
If you liked Independence Day, try Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, A Quiet Place and Predator.