Shooter (2007)
Kernel Score: 81% · 5,339 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Action, Thriller
Released: 2007-03-22
Runtime: 124 minutes
Is Shooter worth watching?
Worth watching. A tough conspiracy thriller about a retired sniper set up for an assassination. Mark Wahlberg is solid and the action is well staged. The plot is far-fetched but fast.
Watch it if you
- like conspiracy action thrillers
- enjoy one-man-against-the-system stories
- want a straightforward action film
Skip it if you
- want a realistic plot
- dislike gun violence
Best for: Action night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Shooter
- Stream: Paramount+, YouTube TV, Starz
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A top Marine sniper, Bob Lee Swagger, leaves the military after a mission goes horribly awry and disappears, living in seclusion. He is coaxed back into service after a high-profile government official convinces him to help thwart a plot to kill the President of the United States. Ultimately double-crossed and framed for the attempt, Swagger becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt. He goes on the run to track the real killer and find out who exactly set him up, and why, eventually seeking revenge against some of the most powerful and corrupt leaders in the free world.
Shooter parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Shooter is an R-rated action thriller about a Marine sniper framed for a presidential assassination plot.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Sniper action, manhunt, and assassination plot drive frequent gun violence, consistent with the R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Shooter
If you liked Shooter, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Fugitive (1993) — 84%: A man framed and on the run.
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) — 85%: Tense, fast conspiracy thriller.
- The Equalizer (2014) — 81%: Lone hero fights corruption, from the same director.
- Training Day (2001) — 83%: Another tough thriller from the same director.
- John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019) — 82%: Skilled loner action.
- Southpaw (2015) — 83%: Same director's emotional fight drama.
Director
Cast
- Mark Wahlberg as Bob Lee Swagger
- Michael Peña as Nick Memphis
- Danny Glover as Colonel Isaac Johnson
- Kate Mara as Sarah Fenn
- Elias Koteas as Jack Payne
- Rhona Mitra as Alourdes Galindo
- Jonathan Walker as Louis Dobbler
- Louis Ferreira as Howard Purnell
- Rade Šerbedžija as Michael Sandor
- Tate Donovan as Russ Turner
Shooter FAQ
Is Shooter worth watching?
Worth watching. A tough conspiracy thriller about a retired sniper set up for an assassination. Mark Wahlberg is solid and the action is well staged. The plot is far-fetched but fast.
Where can I watch Shooter?
In the US you can stream Shooter on Paramount+, YouTube TV and Starz, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Shooter OK for kids?
Shooter is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Shooter is an R-rated action thriller about a Marine sniper framed for a presidential assassination plot.
What movies are like Shooter?
If you liked Shooter, try The Fugitive, The Bourne Ultimatum, The Equalizer and Training Day.