Red River (1948)
Kernel Score: 82% · 579 TMDB ratings
Genres: Western
Released: 1948-09-17
Runtime: 133 minutes
Where to watch Red River
- Stream: Philo
- Free with ads: Fawesome, YouTube Free, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-12.
Overview
Following the Civil War, headstrong rancher Thomas Dunson decides to lead a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Missouri. During the exhausting journey, his persistence becomes tyrannical in the eyes of Matthew Garth, his adopted son and protégé.
Red River parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Red River is a classic Western about a tyrannical rancher and his adopted son on a perilous cattle drive.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — The film includes revenge themes and conflict typical of a rugged 1850s cattle-drive Western.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Red River
If you liked Red River, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Cowboys (1972) — 79%
- 3:10 to Yuma (1957) — 80%
- News of the World (2020) — 78%
- Dances with Wolves (1990) — 88%
- Giant (1956) — 86%
- The Good Lie (2014) — 85%
- Kidnapped (2023) — 81%
- Splendor in the Grass (1961) — 83%
Director
Cast
- John Wayne as Thomas Dunson
- Montgomery Clift as Matthew Garth
- Joanne Dru as Tess Millay
- Walter Brennan as 'Groot' Nadine
- Coleen Gray as Fen
- Harry Carey as Mr. Melville
- John Ireland as Cherry Valance
- Noah Beery Jr. as Buster McGee
- Harry Carey, Jr. as Dan Latimer
- Chief Yowlachie as Quo
Red River FAQ
Is Red River good?
Red River has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch Red River?
In the US you can stream Red River on Philo, watch it free with ads on Fawesome, YouTube Free, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Red River OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Red River is a classic Western about a tyrannical rancher and his adopted son on a perilous cattle drive.
What movies are like Red River?
If you liked Red River, try The Cowboys, 3:10 to Yuma, News of the World and Dances with Wolves.