Philadelphia (1993)
Kernel Score: 86% · 4,550 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 1993-12-22
Runtime: 126 minutes
Is Philadelphia worth watching?
Worth watching. A moving courtroom drama about a lawyer with AIDS fighting discrimination. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are excellent, and it's still powerful.
Watch it if you
- like courtroom dramas
- want a human, sincere drama
- admire strong lead performances
Skip it if you
- want a dry, modern take
- dislike emotional dramas
Best for: Serious evening in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Philadelphia
- 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
Two competing lawyers join forces to sue a prestigious law firm for AIDS discrimination. As their unlikely friendship develops, their courage overcomes the prejudice and corruption of their powerful adversaries.
Philadelphia parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Philadelphia deals with AIDS discrimination and homophobia in a legal drama, rated PG-13.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Philadelphia
If you liked Philadelphia, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — 89%: Same director's chilling classic
- 12 Angry Men (1957) — 96%: The classic jury room drama
- Dallas Buyers Club (2013) — 89%: Another illness-and-prejudice drama
- The Normal Heart (2014) — 88%: Powerful story of the AIDS crisis
- Just Mercy (2019) — 87%: Courtroom drama about injustice
- The Verdict (1982) — 83%: Courtroom drama of a battered lawyer
Director
Cast
- Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett
- Denzel Washington as Joe Miller
- Jason Robards as Charles Wheeler
- Mary Steenburgen as Belinda Conine
- Antonio Banderas as Miguel Alvarez
- Ron Vawter as Bob Seidman
- Robert Ridgely as Walter Kenton
- Charles Napier as Judge Garnett
- Lisa Summerour as Lisa Miller
- Obba Babatundé as Jerome Green
Philadelphia FAQ
Is Philadelphia worth watching?
Worth watching. A moving courtroom drama about a lawyer with AIDS fighting discrimination. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are excellent, and it's still powerful.
Where can I watch Philadelphia?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Philadelphia OK for kids?
Philadelphia is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Philadelphia deals with AIDS discrimination and homophobia in a legal drama, rated PG-13.
What movies are like Philadelphia?
If you liked Philadelphia, try The Silence of the Lambs, 12 Angry Men, Dallas Buyers Club and The Normal Heart.