Salvador (1986)
Kernel Score: 77% · 398 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Thriller, War
Released: 1986-04-23
Runtime: 123 minutes
Where to watch Salvador
- Stream: Prime Video, Fubo, Philo, MGM+
- Free with ads: Hoopla, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 1980, an American journalist covering the Salvadoran Civil War becomes entangled with both the leftist guerrilla groups and the right-wing military dictatorship while trying to rescue his girlfriend and her children.
Salvador parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Salvador is an R-rated war drama about an American journalist entangled in the Salvadoran Civil War.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts guerrilla warfare, assassination, execution, and massacre consistent with a civil war setting.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — The protagonist journalist is depicted as alcoholic.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Salvador
If you liked Salvador, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Killing Fields (1984) — 84%
- Blood Diamond (2006) — 87%
- Innocent Voices (2005) — 90%
- Beasts of No Nation (2015) — 88%
- The Siege of Jadotville (2016) — 80%
- The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022) — 85%
- Lord of War (2005) — 85%
- The Passenger (1975) — 82%
Director
Cast
- James Woods as Richard Boyle
- Jim Belushi as Doctor Rock
- Michael Murphy as Ambassador Thomas Kelly
- John Savage as John Cassady
- Elpidia Carrillo as Maria
- Tony Plana as Major Maximilliano Casanova
- Colby Chester as Jack Morgan
- Cynthia Gibb as Cathy Moore
- Will MacMillan as Colonel Bentley Hyde Sr.
- Valerie Wildman as Pauline Axelrod
Salvador FAQ
Is Salvador good?
Salvador has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 398 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Salvador?
In the US you can stream Salvador on Prime Video, Fubo, Philo and MGM+, watch it free with ads on Hoopla and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Salvador OK for kids?
Salvador is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Salvador is an R-rated war drama about an American journalist entangled in the Salvadoran Civil War.
What movies are like Salvador?
If you liked Salvador, try The Killing Fields, Blood Diamond, Innocent Voices and Beasts of No Nation.