Paths of Glory (1957)
Kernel Score: 91% · 3,214 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: War, Drama
Released: 1957-10-25
Runtime: 88 minutes
Is Paths of Glory worth watching?
Must-watch. Kubrick's short, brutal World War I film about three soldiers picked as scapegoats for a failed attack. It's angry, tightly built and still hits hard, with a fine central performance from Kirk Douglas.
Watch it if you
- want an anti-war film with real moral anger
- like courtroom drama set inside a military
Skip it if you
- need colour and modern pacing
- dislike bleak endings
Best for: Serious solo night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Paths of Glory
- Stream: YouTube TV, MUBI
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, YouTube Free, 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 commanding officer defends three scapegoats on trial for a failed offensive that occurred within the French Army in 1916.
Paths of Glory parents' guide: ages 12+
Parents need to know that Paths of Glory is an anti-war WWI drama depicting a court-martial of scapegoated soldiers and the brutality and injustice of trench warfare.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts WWI trench combat and a suicidal military assault, plus the execution of the accused.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Paths of Glory
If you liked Paths of Glory, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) — 86%: Classic anti-war story of ordinary soldiers crushed by the war machine
- Grand Illusion (1937) — 86%: Another sharp World War I film about class and command
- 1917 (2019) — 92%: Intense, immersive look at the First World War
- Come and See (1985) — 89%: Harrowing war film that strips away any glory
- Full Metal Jacket (1987) — 90%: Kubrick again, tracing how war warps the men fighting it
- Apocalypse Now (1979) — 91%: Epic about the madness of war and those who command it
Director
Cast
- Kirk Douglas as Col. Dax
- Ralph Meeker as Cpl. Philippe Paris
- Adolphe Menjou as Gen. George Broulard
- George Macready as Gen. Paul Mireau
- Wayne Morris as Lt. Roget/Singing man
- Richard Anderson as Maj. Saint-Auban
- Joe Turkel as Pvt. Pierre Arnaud
- Christiane Kubrick as German Singer
- Jerry Hausner as Proprietor of Cafe
- Peter Capell as Narrator of Opening Sequence
Paths of Glory FAQ
Is Paths of Glory worth watching?
Must-watch. Kubrick's short, brutal World War I film about three soldiers picked as scapegoats for a failed attack. It's angry, tightly built and still hits hard, with a fine central performance from Kirk Douglas.
Where can I watch Paths of Glory?
In the US you can stream Paths of Glory on YouTube TV and MUBI, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Paths of Glory OK for kids?
Paths of Glory is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 12+. Parents need to know that Paths of Glory is an anti-war WWI drama depicting a court-martial of scapegoated soldiers and the brutality and injustice of trench warfare.
What movies are like Paths of Glory?
If you liked Paths of Glory, try All Quiet on the Western Front, Grand Illusion, 1917 and Come and See.