Scum (1979)
Kernel Score: 78% · 210 ratings
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 1979-09-12
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where to watch Scum
- Free with ads: Kanopy, The Roku Channel
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Powerful, uncompromising drama about two boys' struggle for survival in the nightmare world of Britain's notorious Borstal Reformatory.
Scum parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Scum is an unflinching drama about brutal conditions in a British youth prison.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Depicts prison violence, suicide, rape, riot, and revenge in a notoriously harsh, controversial portrayal of a youth reformatory.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Includes a depiction of rape as part of its unflinching prison-abuse narrative.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Scum
If you liked Scum, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bronson (2009) — 76%
- The Long Good Friday (1980) — 79%
- Starred Up (2014) — 81%
- The Hate U Give (2018) — 89%
- Undisputed III: Redemption (2010) — 85%
- Stuart: A Life Backwards (2007) — 83%
- Felon (2008) — 79%
- The Death of Stalin (2017) — 79%
Director
Alan Clarke
Cast
- Ray Winstone as Carlin
- Mick Ford as Archer
- Julian Firth as Davis
- John Blundell as Banks
- Phil Daniels as Richards
- John Judd as Mr. Sands
- Philip Jackson as Mr Greaves
- Peter Howell as Governor
- Bill Dean as Mr Duke
- John Grillo as Mr Goodyear
Scum FAQ
Is Scum good?
Scum has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 210 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Scum?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and The Roku Channel.
Is Scum OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Scum is an unflinching drama about brutal conditions in a British youth prison.
What movies are like Scum?
If you liked Scum, try Bronson, The Long Good Friday, Starred Up and The Hate U Give.