Les Misérables (2012)
Kernel Score: 84% · 5,522 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: History, Drama
Released: 2012-12-18
Runtime: 158 minutes
Is Les Misérables worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A big, sincere film of the stage musical, with actors singing live on set. It's moving and ambitious, but it's long, almost entirely sung, and the close-ups can be exhausting. Musical fans will be rewarded.
Watch it if you
- love the stage musical
- enjoy big emotional epics
- like live-sung performances
Skip it if you
- dislike musicals where everything is sung
- want a light watch
Best for: Long emotional evening
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Les Misérables
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France. Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.
Les Misérables parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Les Misérables is a PG-13 musical drama set during the French Revolution, involving imprisonment, rebellion, and prostitution.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts revolutionary rebellion, armed conflict at the barricades, and wartime death.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — References a brothel and prostitution as part of a character's tragic backstory.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Les Misérables
If you liked Les Misérables, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) — 88%: Classic story of imprisonment, revenge and redemption.
- The King's Speech (2010) — 85%: Same director, a quieter historical drama.
- The Danish Girl (2015) — 85%: Same director, a heartfelt period drama.
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) — 81%: Animated take on a story from Victor Hugo.
Director
Cast
- Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean
- Russell Crowe as Javert
- Amanda Seyfried as Cosette
- Anne Hathaway as Fantine
- Eddie Redmayne as Marius Pontmercy
- Sacha Baron Cohen as Monsieur Thénardier
- Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thénardier
- Aaron Tveit as Enjolras
- Samantha Barks as Éponine Thénardier
- Daniel Huttlestone as Gavroche
Les Misérables FAQ
Is Les Misérables worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A big, sincere film of the stage musical, with actors singing live on set. It's moving and ambitious, but it's long, almost entirely sung, and the close-ups can be exhausting. Musical fans will be rewarded.
Where can I watch Les Misérables?
In the US you can stream Les Misérables on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Les Misérables OK for kids?
Les Misérables is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Les Misérables is a PG-13 musical drama set during the French Revolution, involving imprisonment, rebellion, and prostitution.
What movies are like Les Misérables?
If you liked Les Misérables, try The Count of Monte Cristo, The King's Speech, The Danish Girl and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.