Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Kernel Score: 95% · 16,936 ratings · Rated R
Genres: War, Drama, History
Released: 1998-07-24
Runtime: 169 minutes
Is Saving Private Ryan worth watching?
Must-watch. Spielberg's D-Day opening is among the most intense battle scenes ever filmed, and the rest follows a small squad sent to find one soldier. It is graphic, humane, and asks what a life is worth.
Watch it if you
- want realistic, brutal war cinema
- like ensemble stories about duty
- can handle graphic violence
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic combat
- want a lighter film
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Saving Private Ryan
- Stream: Paramount+, Peacock
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
As U.S. troops storm the beaches of Normandy, three brothers lie dead on the battlefield, with a fourth trapped behind enemy lines. Ranger captain John Miller and seven men are tasked with penetrating German-held territory and bringing the boy home.
Saving Private Ryan parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Saving Private Ryan is an R-rated war drama depicting the graphic brutality of the D-Day invasion and subsequent rescue mission.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Intense, graphic depictions of WWII combat violence including the Omaha Beach landing, rated R.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Saving Private Ryan
If you liked Saving Private Ryan, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Thin Red Line (1998) — 85%: Philosophical war film about men in combat
- Fury (2014) — 87%: Tough tank-crew story with strong ensemble acting
- Full Metal Jacket (1987) — 90%: Harsh, influential war film
- The Longest Day (1962) — 87%: Epic account of D-Day
- Schindler's List (1993) — 97%: Spielberg's other serious historical film
- Lone Survivor (2013) — 85%: Tense true story of soldiers in trouble
Director
Cast
- Tom Hanks as Captain Miller
- Tom Sizemore as Sergeant Horvath
- Edward Burns as Private Reiben
- Barry Pepper as Private Jackson
- Adam Goldberg as Private Mellish
- Vin Diesel as Private Caparzo
- Giovanni Ribisi as T/4 Medic Wade
- Jeremy Davies as Corporal Upham
- Matt Damon as Private Ryan
- Ted Danson as Captain Hamill
Saving Private Ryan FAQ
Is Saving Private Ryan worth watching?
Must-watch. Spielberg's D-Day opening is among the most intense battle scenes ever filmed, and the rest follows a small squad sent to find one soldier. It is graphic, humane, and asks what a life is worth.
Where can I watch Saving Private Ryan?
In the US you can stream Saving Private Ryan on Paramount+ and Peacock, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Saving Private Ryan OK for kids?
Saving Private Ryan is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Saving Private Ryan is an R-rated war drama depicting the graphic brutality of the D-Day invasion and subsequent rescue mission.
What movies are like Saving Private Ryan?
If you liked Saving Private Ryan, try The Thin Red Line, Fury, Full Metal Jacket and The Longest Day.