Sleepers (1996)
Kernel Score: 87% · 3,786 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1996-10-18
Runtime: 147 minutes
Is Sleepers worth watching?
Worth watching. Four boys abused in a youth prison grow up and plot revenge on a guard. It's well acted and compelling, though uneven in its legal twists and very hard to watch.
Watch it if you
- like heavy crime dramas with strong ensemble casts
- enjoy stories of revenge and loyalty
- can handle disturbing subject matter
Skip it if you
- avoid stories involving child abuse
- want a realistic courtroom plot
Best for: Serious crime-drama night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Sleepers
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Two gangsters seek revenge on the state jail worker who during their stay at a youth prison sexually abused them. A sensational court hearing takes place to charge him for the crimes.
Sleepers parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Sleepers is an R-rated crime drama depicting child sexual abuse in a juvenile reform school and its violent aftermath.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes depictions of sadistic abuse in a reform school, gang violence, and a later revenge murder.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Central plot involves the sexual abuse of juvenile boys by a state jail worker, referenced rather than graphically shown.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Sleepers
If you liked Sleepers, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Mystic River (2003) — 89%: Childhood trauma haunts adult lives in a dark crime story.
- Primal Fear (1996) — 87%: A slick courtroom thriller with the same 90s star power.
- GoodFellas (1990) — 92%: A compelling look at loyalty in crime.
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%: Boyhood friendships turn to violence over decades.
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — 100%: Friendship and survival in an unforgiving institution.
- Boy A (2008) — 81%: A young offender tries to rebuild a life after prison.
Director
Cast
- Kevin Bacon as Sean Nokes
- Robert De Niro as Father Bobby
- Dustin Hoffman as Danny Snyder
- Jason Patric as Lorenzo 'Shakes' Carcaterra
- Brad Pitt as Michael Sullivan
- Brad Renfro as Young Michael Sullivan
- Minnie Driver as Carol Martinez
- Billy Crudup as Tommy Marcano
- Ron Eldard as John Reilly
- Vittorio Gassman as King Benny
Sleepers FAQ
Is Sleepers worth watching?
Worth watching. Four boys abused in a youth prison grow up and plot revenge on a guard. It's well acted and compelling, though uneven in its legal twists and very hard to watch.
Where can I watch Sleepers?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Sleepers OK for kids?
Sleepers is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Sleepers is an R-rated crime drama depicting child sexual abuse in a juvenile reform school and its violent aftermath.
What movies are like Sleepers?
If you liked Sleepers, try Mystic River, Primal Fear, GoodFellas and Once Upon a Time in America.