Lawless (2012)
Kernel Score: 80% · 3,273 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Western
Released: 2012-08-29
Runtime: 115 minutes
Is Lawless worth watching?
Worth watching. Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf and Guy Pearce star in a violent Prohibition-era tale of Virginia bootleggers. It's well acted and atmospheric, though the plot is uneven and the violence is sudden and brutal. Hardy's mumbling brother is the best part.
Watch it if you
- like Prohibition-era crime stories
- enjoy Tom Hardy performances
- can take sudden, bloody violence
Skip it if you
- want a tight, polished crime plot
- dislike graphic violence
Best for: Gritty night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Lawless
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fawesome
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 1931, the Bondurant brothers of Franklin County, Virginia, run a multipurpose backwoods establishment that hides their true business — bootlegging. Middle brother Forrest is the brain of the operation; older Howard is the brawn, and younger Jack, the lookout. Though the local police have taken bribes and left the brothers alone, a violent war erupts when a sadistic lawman from Chicago arrives and tries to shut down the Bondurants operation.
Lawless parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Lawless is an R-rated Prohibition-era crime drama with brutal violence, moonshine bootlegging, and corruption.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts brutal beatings, shootouts, and gangster violence tied to a bootlegging war, per its R rating and violence-themed keywords.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Moonshine production and bootlegging during Prohibition are central to the plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Lawless
If you liked Lawless, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Untouchables (1987) — 87%: Prohibition crime story with a stylish, tough streak
- Hell or High Water (2016) — 83%: Modern Western crime drama about rural brothers
- Miller's Crossing (1990) — 85%: Stylish gangster film with sharp dialogue
- The Proposition (2005) — 79%: Another film from the same director, bleak and violent
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%: Epic gangster saga across decades
- Scarface (1932) — 83%: Early gangster classic that set the template
Director
John Hillcoat
Cast
- Shia LaBeouf as Jack Bondurant
- Tom Hardy as Forrest Bondurant
- Gary Oldman as Floyd Banner
- Guy Pearce as Charlie Rakes
- Jason Clarke as Howard Bondurant
- Jessica Chastain as Maggie Beauford
- Mia Wasikowska as Bertha Minnix
- Dane DeHaan as Cricket Pate
- Lew Temple as Deputy Henry Abshire
- Chris McGarry as Danny
Lawless FAQ
Is Lawless worth watching?
Worth watching. Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf and Guy Pearce star in a violent Prohibition-era tale of Virginia bootleggers. It's well acted and atmospheric, though the plot is uneven and the violence is sudden and brutal. Hardy's mumbling brother is the best part.
Where can I watch Lawless?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Fawesome and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Lawless OK for kids?
Lawless is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Lawless is an R-rated Prohibition-era crime drama with brutal violence, moonshine bootlegging, and corruption.
What movies are like Lawless?
If you liked Lawless, try The Untouchables, Hell or High Water, Miller's Crossing and The Proposition.