Papillon (1973)
Kernel Score: 87% · 2,076 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 1973-12-16
Runtime: 151 minutes
Is Papillon worth watching?
Must-watch. A grim, powerful prison-escape drama with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. It is long and unflinching about the cruelty of the penal colony, and the central friendship carries it.
Watch it if you
- like classic prison and escape dramas
- enjoy strong lead performances
- can handle a long, bleak story
Skip it if you
- dislike long, slow films
- want something light
Best for: Classic drama night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Papillon
- Free with ads: Kanopy, 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
A man befriends a fellow criminal as the two of them begin serving their sentence on a dreadful prison island, which inspires the man to plot his escape.
Papillon parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Papillon is a PG-rated prison drama depicting brutal prison conditions, solitary confinement, and an escape attempt.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts prison brutality, solitary confinement, and a labor camp setting; PG rated but intense for the era.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Papillon
If you liked Papillon, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — 100%: Prison drama about friendship and refusing to give up
- Escape from Alcatraz (1979) — 86%: Tense, patient true-story escape from an island prison
- Cool Hand Luke (1967) — 85%: Defiant prisoner who will not be broken
- Midnight Express (1978) — 84%: Brutal prison drama built on one man's ordeal
- The Great Escape (1963) — 89%: Classic escape adventure built on planning and nerve
- Papillon (2017) — 83%: Remake of the same true story
Director
Cast
- Steve McQueen as Henri "Papillon" Charriere
- Dustin Hoffman as Louis Dega
- Victor Jory as Indian Chief
- Don Gordon as Julot
- Anthony Zerbe as Toussaint
- Robert Deman as Maturette
- Woodrow Parfrey as Clusiot
- Bill Mumy as Lariot
- George Coulouris as Dr. Chatal
- Ratna Assan as Zoraima
Papillon FAQ
Is Papillon worth watching?
Must-watch. A grim, powerful prison-escape drama with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. It is long and unflinching about the cruelty of the penal colony, and the central friendship carries it.
Where can I watch Papillon?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Papillon OK for kids?
Papillon is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Papillon is a PG-rated prison drama depicting brutal prison conditions, solitary confinement, and an escape attempt.
What movies are like Papillon?
If you liked Papillon, try The Shawshank Redemption, Escape from Alcatraz, Cool Hand Luke and Midnight Express.