Once Were Warriors (1994)
Kernel Score: 82% · 476 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1994-09-02
Runtime: 99 minutes
Where to watch Once Were Warriors
- Stream: Film Movement Plus
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In a violent relationship, it takes a mother’s strength to save herself and her children from the man she loved. Once Were Warriors is a violent love story set against a contemporary urban backdrop.
Once Were Warriors parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Once Were Warriors is a harrowing drama depicting domestic violence, rape, alcoholism, and family trauma.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Depicts a violent husband and severe domestic abuse as central, raw and unflinching plot elements.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Includes a rape depicted as part of the story's trauma.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Alcohol abuse is portrayed as a driving force behind the family's violence and despair.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Once Were Warriors
If you liked Once Were Warriors, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Young and the Damned (1950) — 91%
- This Boy's Life (1993) — 78%
- The Nightingale (2018) — 80%
- City of Men (2007) — 78%
- The Last Samurai (2003) — 85%
- The Piano (1993) — 83%
- Uncle Frank (2020) — 80%
- Take My Eyes (2003) — 80%
Director
Lee Tamahori
Cast
- Rena Owen as Beth Heke
- Temuera Morrison as Jake Heke
- Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell as Grace Heke
- Julian Arahanga as Nig Heke
- Taungaroa Emile as Mark 'Boogie' Heke
- Rachael Morris Jr. as Polly Heke
- Joseph Kairau as Huata Heke
- Cliff Curtis as Bully
- Pete Smith as Dooley
- George Henare as Bennett
Once Were Warriors FAQ
Is Once Were Warriors good?
Once Were Warriors has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 476 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Once Were Warriors?
In the US you can stream Once Were Warriors on Film Movement Plus, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is Once Were Warriors OK for kids?
Once Were Warriors is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Once Were Warriors is a harrowing drama depicting domestic violence, rape, alcoholism, and family trauma.
What movies are like Once Were Warriors?
If you liked Once Were Warriors, try The Young and the Damned, This Boy's Life, The Nightingale and City of Men.