Lone Survivor (2013)
Kernel Score: 85% · 4,655 ratings · Rated R
Genres: War, Action, Drama
Released: 2013-12-24
Runtime: 121 minutes
Is Lone Survivor worth watching?
Worth watching. A brutal, direct account of a failed SEAL mission in Afghanistan. It's intense and respectful of its subjects, but it's a tough watch, with little time to breathe.
Watch it if you
- like modern war films based on true events
- want visceral, intense battle scenes
- respect stories of soldiers' loyalty
Skip it if you
- are sensitive to graphic violence
- want a political or nuanced take
Best for: Serious solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Lone Survivor
- Stream: Prime Video, Starz
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level Taliban operative must make an impossible moral decision in the mountains of Afghanistan that leads them into an enemy ambush. As they confront unthinkable odds, the SEALs must find reserves of strength and resilience to fight to the finish.
Lone Survivor parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Lone Survivor is a true-story war film depicting Navy SEALs in intense, graphic combat against the Taliban.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic, sustained combat violence depicting a real firefight and its aftermath.
- Language: Moderate — Military-style strong language throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Lone Survivor
If you liked Lone Survivor, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Black Hawk Down (2001) — 84%: Another intense, true-story firefight film
- Warfare (2025) — 77%: Close-up, real-time battle
- American Sniper (2014) — 84%: Modern war drama
- 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016) — 83%: Another real-life battle story
- Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023) — 87%: Afghan war story about loyalty
- Zero Dark Thirty (2012) — 79%: Real-events military thriller
Director
Cast
- Mark Wahlberg as Petty Officer First Class Marcus Luttrell
- Taylor Kitsch as Lieutenant Michael "Mike" Murphy
- Emile Hirsch as Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz
- Ben Foster as Petty Officer Second Class Matthew "Axe" Axelson
- Eric Bana as Lieutenant Commander Erik Kristensen
- Ali Suliman as Mohammad Gulab
- Alexander Ludwig as Petty Officer Second Class Shane Patton
- Jerry Ferrara as Hasslert
- Scott Elrod as QRF SEAL
- Josh Berry as Communication SEAL
Lone Survivor FAQ
Is Lone Survivor worth watching?
Worth watching. A brutal, direct account of a failed SEAL mission in Afghanistan. It's intense and respectful of its subjects, but it's a tough watch, with little time to breathe.
Where can I watch Lone Survivor?
In the US you can stream Lone Survivor on Prime Video and Starz and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Lone Survivor OK for kids?
Lone Survivor is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Lone Survivor is a true-story war film depicting Navy SEALs in intense, graphic combat against the Taliban.
What movies are like Lone Survivor?
If you liked Lone Survivor, try Black Hawk Down, Warfare, American Sniper and 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.