Sicario (2015)
Kernel Score: 83% · 9,366 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2015-09-17
Runtime: 122 minutes
Is Sicario worth watching?
Worth watching. A tense, grim thriller about the drug war at the Mexican border, with superb photography and Benicio del Toro's menacing performance. It is bleak and slow, but remarkably tense.
Watch it if you
- like tense, serious crime thrillers
- admire Denis Villeneuve's moody style
- enjoy morally murky stories
Skip it if you
- want clear heroes and a happy ending
- are bothered by violence
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Sicario
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.
Sicario parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Sicario is an R-rated crime thriller about the brutal drug war on the US-Mexico border, featuring intense violence and moral corruption.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic depictions of cartel brutality, murder, and a bombing; rated R for strong violence.
- Language: Moderate — Rated R, consistent with strong language typical of the genre.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Central plot involves drug trafficking, cartel operations, and on-screen smoking.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Sicario
If you liked Sicario, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Prisoners (2013) — 88%: Same director's grim, dread-filled thriller
- No Country for Old Men (2007) — 94%: Tense, stark chase story with a ruthless killer
- Incendies (2010) — 90%: Same director's heavy, slow-burning story
- Memories of Murder (2003) — 89%: Slow-burn crime thriller with a sombre feel
- Traffic (2000) — 79%: Sprawling drama about the drug war
- Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) — 78%: The follow-up, set in the same world
Director
Cast
- Emily Blunt as Kate Macer
- Benicio del Toro as Alejandro Gillick
- Josh Brolin as Matt Graver
- Victor Garber as Dave Jennings
- Jon Bernthal as Ted
- Daniel Kaluuya as Reggie Wayne
- Jeffrey Donovan as Steve Forsing
- Raoul Max Trujillo as Rafael
- Julio Cesar Cedillo as Fausto Alarcon
- Hank Rogerson as Phil Coopers
Sicario FAQ
Is Sicario worth watching?
Worth watching. A tense, grim thriller about the drug war at the Mexican border, with superb photography and Benicio del Toro's menacing performance. It is bleak and slow, but remarkably tense.
Where can I watch Sicario?
In the US you can stream Sicario on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Sicario OK for kids?
Sicario is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Sicario is an R-rated crime thriller about the brutal drug war on the US-Mexico border, featuring intense violence and moral corruption.
What movies are like Sicario?
If you liked Sicario, try Prisoners, No Country for Old Men, Incendies and Memories of Murder.