Silkwood (1983)
Kernel Score: 75% · 343 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1983-12-14
Runtime: 131 minutes
Where to watch Silkwood
- Free with ads: Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Like most of the people in her town, Karen Silkwood works at the local nuclear plant producing highly radioactive plutonium. Exposed one day to a lethal dose of radiation, Karen faces the blank walls of corporate indifference and denial. As her illness increases, her protest grows louder and she becomes an obvious danger to the powers that be.
Silkwood parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Silkwood is an R-rated drama about a nuclear plant worker who is exposed to radiation while investigating unsafe labor practices.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes chemical/radiation poisoning and a suspicious death tied to whistleblowing against corporate power, per the R rating and keywords.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Silkwood
If you liked Silkwood, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The China Syndrome (1979) — 81%
- Threads (1985) — 86%
- Paths of Glory (1957) — 91%
- Serpico (1973) — 85%
- Snowden (2016) — 79%
- Invictus (2009) — 82%
- Quiz Show (1994) — 82%
- The Machinist (2004) — 84%
Director
Cast
- Meryl Streep as Karen Silkwood
- Kurt Russell as Drew Stephens
- Cher as Dolly Pelliker
- Craig T. Nelson as Winston
- Fred Ward as Morgan
- Diana Scarwid as Angela
- Ron Silver as Paul Stone
- Charles Hallahan as Earl Lapin
- Josef Sommer as Max Richter
- Sudie Bond as Thelma Rice
Silkwood FAQ
Is Silkwood good?
Silkwood has a 75% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 343 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Silkwood?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Silkwood OK for kids?
Silkwood is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Silkwood is an R-rated drama about a nuclear plant worker who is exposed to radiation while investigating unsafe labor practices.
What movies are like Silkwood?
If you liked Silkwood, try The China Syndrome, Threads, Paths of Glory and Serpico.