Midnight Express (1978)
Kernel Score: 84% · 1,860 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 1978-08-31
Runtime: 121 minutes
Where to watch Midnight Express
- Stream: Fubo
- Free with ads: Fawesome, The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Billy Hayes is caught attempting to smuggle drugs out of Turkey. The Turkish courts decide to make an example of him, sentencing him to more than 30 years in prison. Hayes has two opportunities for release: the appeals made by his lawyer, his family, and the American government, or the "Midnight Express".
Midnight Express parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated 1978 drama is a harrowing true story of drug smuggling, imprisonment, and brutal prison torture in Turkey.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic prison brutality, torture, and a sadistic warden are central to the story, per R rating and keywords.
- Language: Moderate — Strong language is typical of this R-rated 1970s prison drama.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Drug smuggling (hashish) is the plot's inciting act, with related substance themes throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Midnight Express
If you liked Midnight Express, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bronson (2009) — 76%
- Cleveland Abduction (2015) — 80%
- Requiem for a Dream (2000) — 89%
- A Short Film About Killing (1988) — 86%
- Lost Highway (1997) — 85%
- Papillon (1973) — 87%
- Blow (2001) — 81%
- Brubaker (1980) — 80%
Director
Cast
- Brad Davis as Billy Hayes
- Irene Miracle as Susan
- Bo Hopkins as Tex
- Paolo Bonacelli as Rifki
- Paul L. Smith as Hamidou
- Randy Quaid as Jimmy Booth
- Norbert Weisser as Erich
- John Hurt as Max
- Mike Kellin as Mr. Hayes
- Franco Diogene as Yesil
Midnight Express FAQ
Is Midnight Express good?
Midnight Express has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,860 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Midnight Express?
In the US you can stream Midnight Express on Fubo, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Midnight Express OK for kids?
Midnight Express is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated 1978 drama is a harrowing true story of drug smuggling, imprisonment, and brutal prison torture in Turkey.
What movies are like Midnight Express?
If you liked Midnight Express, try Bronson, Cleveland Abduction, Requiem for a Dream and A Short Film About Killing.