Lone Star (1996)
Kernel Score: 79% · 400 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance
Released: 1996-06-21
Runtime: 135 minutes
Where to watch Lone Star
- Free with ads: Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When the skeleton of his murdered predecessor is found, Sheriff Sam Deeds unearths many other long-buried secrets in his Texas border town.
Lone Star parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Lone Star is an R-rated mystery drama involving a murder investigation and long-buried family and town secrets in a Texas border town.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Centers on a murder investigation and skeleton discovery, with dramatic violent backstory.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Lone Star
If you liked Lone Star, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- El Dorado (1966) — 84%
- Rio Bravo (1959) — 86%
- The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005) — 78%
- Hud (1963) — 80%
- Incendies (2010) — 90%
- The Man from Laramie (1955) — 79%
- Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) — 82%
- Paris, Texas (1984) — 91%
Director
John Sayles
Cast
- Chris Cooper as Sam Deeds
- Elizabeth Peña as Pilar Cruz
- Kris Kristofferson as Charlie Wade
- Clifton James as Hollis Pogue
- Miriam Colon as Mercedes Cruz
- Ron Canada as Otis Payne
- Joe Morton as Delmore "Del" Payne
- Matthew McConaughey as Buddy Deeds
- Jeff Monahan as Young Hollis
- Gabriel Casseus as Young Otis
Lone Star FAQ
Is Lone Star good?
Lone Star has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 400 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Lone Star?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Lone Star OK for kids?
Lone Star is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Lone Star is an R-rated mystery drama involving a murder investigation and long-buried family and town secrets in a Texas border town.
What movies are like Lone Star?
If you liked Lone Star, try El Dorado, Rio Bravo, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada and Hud.