Into the Wild (2007)
Kernel Score: 89% · 10,013 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Adventure, Drama
Released: 2007-09-21
Runtime: 148 minutes
Is Into the Wild worth watching?
Must-watch. A beautifully shot true story of a young man who walks away from everything to head to Alaska. Emile Hirsch is terrific and the film asks whether he is admirable or reckless, without telling you the answer.
Watch it if you
- like thoughtful drama about freedom and risk
- love wilderness scenery
- enjoy true stories with a sad edge
Skip it if you
- want a fast plot
- dislike slow, long films
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Into the Wild
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity, and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness.
Into the Wild parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Into the Wild (R) follows a young man who abandons society to live in the Alaskan wilderness, ending in tragedy.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Some incidental substance depiction possible given the R rating and road-trip themes, though not central.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Into the Wild
If you liked Into the Wild, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Captain Fantastic (2016) — 88%: A family that lives apart from society, and the cost of that
- The Revenant (2015) — 84%: Brutal wilderness survival story with stunning scenery
- Dances with Wolves (1990) — 88%: Epic film of a man who leaves society for the frontier
- Walkabout (1971) — 82%: Young people lost in the wild, a lonely and poetic film
- Stand by Me (1986) — 89%: Coming-of-age story that is warm and moving
- Finch (2021) — 87%: A gentle story of survival and companionship
Director
Cast
- Emile Hirsch as Christopher McCandless / Alexander Supertramp
- Marcia Gay Harden as Billie McCandless
- William Hurt as Walt McCandless
- Jena Malone as Carine McCandless / Additional Narration (voice)
- Brian H. Dierker as Rainey
- Catherine Keener as Jan Burres
- Vince Vaughn as Wayne Westerberg
- Kristen Stewart as Tracy Tatro
- Hal Holbrook as Ronald "Ron" Franz
- Thure Lindhardt as Mads
Into the Wild FAQ
Is Into the Wild worth watching?
Must-watch. A beautifully shot true story of a young man who walks away from everything to head to Alaska. Emile Hirsch is terrific and the film asks whether he is admirable or reckless, without telling you the answer.
Where can I watch Into the Wild?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and YouTube Free and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Into the Wild OK for kids?
Into the Wild is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Into the Wild (R) follows a young man who abandons society to live in the Alaskan wilderness, ending in tragedy.
What movies are like Into the Wild?
If you liked Into the Wild, try Captain Fantastic, The Revenant, Dances with Wolves and Walkabout.