Serenity (2005)
Kernel Score: 84% · 3,792 TMDB ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller
Released: 2005-09-25
Runtime: 119 minutes
Is Serenity worth watching?
Worth watching. A ragtag spaceship crew hides a dangerous passenger in this Firefly follow-up. It's funny, fast and likeable, with great banter, though newcomers may miss some history.
Watch it if you
- like space adventures with banter and heart
- enjoy found-family crews
- want a sci-fi film that's fun more than grim
Skip it if you
- want hard sci-fi realism
- dislike jokey dialogue in action scenes
Best for: Fun sci-fi night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Serenity
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-11.
Overview
When the renegade crew of Serenity agrees to hide a fugitive on their ship, they find themselves in an action-packed battle between the relentless military might of a totalitarian regime who will destroy anything – or anyone – to get the girl back and the bloodthirsty creatures who roam the uncharted areas of space. But... the greatest danger of all may be on their ship.
Serenity parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Serenity is a PG-13 sci-fi action film with space battles and violent creatures.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Involves military conflict, fugitive chases, and bloodthirsty creatures, consistent with its PG-13 rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Serenity
If you liked Serenity, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) — 87%: A gritty, rebel-driven space mission with a team that sticks together.
- The Avengers (2012) — 87%: Team-up action with sharp quips and big set pieces.
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — 96%: The classic space adventure with rebels against an empire.
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) — 85%: A tough, personal space adventure with strong characters.
- Mad Max 2 (1981) — 84%: Lean survival action with an outlaw spirit.
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001) — 88%: Space outlaws and style, with a ragtag crew.
Director
Cast
- Nathan Fillion as Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds
- Summer Glau as River Tam
- Gina Torres as Zoë Alleyne Washburne
- Alan Tudyk as Hoban 'Wash' Washburne
- Morena Baccarin as Inara Serra
- Adam Baldwin as Jayne Cobb
- Jewel Staite as Kaywinnet Lee 'Kaylee' Frye
- Sean Maher as Simon Tam
- Ron Glass as Shepherd Derrial Book
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as The Operative
Serenity FAQ
Is Serenity worth watching?
Worth watching. A ragtag spaceship crew hides a dangerous passenger in this Firefly follow-up. It's funny, fast and likeable, with great banter, though newcomers may miss some history.
Where can I watch Serenity?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Serenity OK for kids?
Serenity is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Serenity is a PG-13 sci-fi action film with space battles and violent creatures.
What movies are like Serenity?
If you liked Serenity, try Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Avengers, The Empire Strikes Back and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.