Men of Honor (2000)
Kernel Score: 85% · 2,454 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2000-09-13
Runtime: 129 minutes
Is Men of Honor worth watching?
Worth watching. The true-ish story of the Navy's first Black master diver, fighting prejudice and a brutal instructor. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro are strong, and it's inspiring, if formula. Viewers love it more than reviewers did.
Watch it if you
- like inspiring military dramas
- enjoy underdog stories
- want a crowd-pleaser with heart
Skip it if you
- want a gritty, unsentimental story
- dislike predictable plots
Best for: Dad movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Men of Honor
- Stream: Prime Video
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Against formidable odds -- and an old-school diving instructor embittered by the U.S. Navy's new, less prejudicial policies -- Carl Brashear sets his sights on becoming the Navy's first African-American master diver in this uplifting true story. Their relationship starts out on the rocks, but fate ultimately conspires to bring the men together into a setting of mutual respect, triumph and honor.
Men of Honor parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this is a true-story drama about the U.S. Navy's first Black master diver overcoming prejudice, rated R.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Intense training sequences and confrontation depict physical hardship and peril.
- Language: Some — Contains period-appropriate strong and derogatory language reflecting racial prejudice, consistent with the R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Men of Honor
If you liked Men of Honor, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- A Few Good Men (1992) — 87%: Navy courtroom drama with strong performances and moral stakes.
- Top Gun (1986) — 85%: Classic Navy drama about proving yourself under pressure.
- The Guardian (2006) — 79%: Mentor-and-student story in a punishing, high-stakes service.
- Antwone Fisher (2002) — 77%: Naval service and personal healing in an inspiring drama.
- Mississippi Burning (1988) — 86%: Strong drama about racism and conflict, with powerful acting.
- Crimson Tide (1995) — 80%: Tense Navy drama driven by two clashing commanders.
Director
Cast
- Robert De Niro as Master Chief Leslie W. Sunday ('Billy')
- Cuba Gooding Jr. as Senior Chief Carl Brashear
- Charlize Theron as Gwen Sunday
- Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Jo
- Hal Holbrook as 'Mr. Pappy'
- Michael Rapaport as GM1 Snowhill
- Powers Boothe as Captain Pullman
- David Keith as Captain Hartigan
- Dulé Hill as Red Tail
- Holt McCallany as MM1 Dylan Rourke
Men of Honor FAQ
Is Men of Honor worth watching?
Worth watching. The true-ish story of the Navy's first Black master diver, fighting prejudice and a brutal instructor. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro are strong, and it's inspiring, if formula. Viewers love it more than reviewers did.
Where can I watch Men of Honor?
In the US you can stream Men of Honor on Prime Video and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Men of Honor OK for kids?
Men of Honor is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this is a true-story drama about the U.S. Navy's first Black master diver overcoming prejudice, rated R.
What movies are like Men of Honor?
If you liked Men of Honor, try A Few Good Men, Top Gun, The Guardian and Antwone Fisher.