Patriots Day (2016)
Kernel Score: 79% · 2,800 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, History, Thriller
Released: 2016-12-12
Runtime: 133 minutes
Is Patriots Day worth watching?
Worth watching. A tense, well-made dramatisation of the Boston Marathon bombing and the manhunt that followed, told from the ground level. It handles real tragedy with respect, though a composite lead cop and some flag-waving give it a Hollywood sheen.
Watch it if you
- like procedural thrillers based on true events
- want fast, immersive docudrama filmmaking
- enjoy ensemble casts
Skip it if you
- find recreations of real terror attacks upsetting
- dislike heavy violence and sombre subject matter
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Patriots Day
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the aftermath of an unspeakable act of terror, Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders joins courageous survivors, first responders and investigators in a race against the clock to hunt down the Boston Marathon bombers before they strike again.
Patriots Day parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Patriots Day dramatizes the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and manhunt with intense terrorism-related violence.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — R-rated dramatization of a real terrorist bombing and the manhunt that followed, including intense action sequences.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Patriots Day
If you liked Patriots Day, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- United 93 (2006) — 81%: Real-time dramatisation of a terror attack, shot with documentary urgency.
- Hotel Mumbai (2019) — 87%: Harrowing, tightly staged account of a real terrorist siege.
- 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016) — 83%: Ground-level look at a real attack and the people who fought back.
- Lone Survivor (2013) — 85%: Intense true story of soldiers under fire, with a similar tone.
- Richard Jewell (2019) — 83%: True-story drama about the aftermath of a terror attack.
- Stronger (2017) — 79%: Boston Marathon bombing survivor story, more intimate and human.
Director
Cast
- Mark Wahlberg as Sgt. Tommy Saunders
- John Goodman as Commisioner Ed Davis
- J.K. Simmons as Sgt. Jeffrey Pugliese
- Kevin Bacon as Richard DesLauriers
- Michelle Monaghan as Carol Saunders
- Alex Wolff as Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
- Themo Melikidze as Tamerlan Tsarnaev
- Michael Beach as Gov. Deval Patrick
- Vincent Curatola as Mayor Thomas Menino
- James Colby as Superintendent Billy Evans
Patriots Day FAQ
Is Patriots Day worth watching?
Worth watching. A tense, well-made dramatisation of the Boston Marathon bombing and the manhunt that followed, told from the ground level. It handles real tragedy with respect, though a composite lead cop and some flag-waving give it a Hollywood sheen.
Where can I watch Patriots Day?
In the US you can stream Patriots Day on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Patriots Day OK for kids?
Patriots Day is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Patriots Day dramatizes the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and manhunt with intense terrorism-related violence.
What movies are like Patriots Day?
If you liked Patriots Day, try United 93, Hotel Mumbai, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi and Lone Survivor.