Sound of Metal (2020)
Kernel Score: 87% · 2,782 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Music
Released: 2020-11-20
Runtime: 121 minutes
Is Sound of Metal worth watching?
Must-watch. A superb, intimate drama about a drummer losing his hearing and facing sobriety and a new life. Riz Ahmed is outstanding, and the sound design puts you inside his experience.
Watch it if you
- like character-driven dramas with great acting
- are interested in addiction and recovery stories
- want an immersive, thoughtful film
Skip it if you
- want fast plotting
- find loud metal and emotionally raw scenes hard going
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Sound of Metal
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Prime Video (free with ads), Amazon MX Player
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Metal drummer Ruben begins to lose his hearing. When a doctor tells him his condition will worsen, he thinks his career and life is over. His girlfriend Lou checks the former addict into a rehab for the deaf hoping it will prevent a relapse and help him adapt to his new life. After being welcomed and accepted just as he is, Ruben must choose between his new normal and the life he once knew.
Sound of Metal parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Sound of Metal is an R-rated drama about a heavy-metal drummer losing his hearing and confronting past addiction while in recovery.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Centers on a former addict's recovery journey and references to past drug use.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Sound of Metal
If you liked Sound of Metal, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- CODA (2021) — 90%: A heartfelt story of deaf characters and music.
- Whiplash (2014) — 96%: Obsessive drummer drama with fierce intensity.
- Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008) — 84%: Real-life metal band story, funny and moving.
- A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016) — 89%: Moving anime about deafness, regret and connection.
- A Star Is Born (2018) — 84%: Music, addiction and love in a raw, emotional drama.
- Better Man (2024) — 84%: A musician's struggle with addiction told with bold style.
Director
Darius Marder
Cast
- Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone
- Olivia Cooke as Lou
- Paul Raci as Joe
- Lauren Ridloff as Diane
- Mathieu Amalric as Richard Berger
- Domenico Toledo as Michael
- Chelsea Lee as Jenn
- Shaheem Sanchez as Shaheem
- Chris Perfetti as Harlan
- Bill Thorpe as The Man
Sound of Metal FAQ
Is Sound of Metal worth watching?
Must-watch. A superb, intimate drama about a drummer losing his hearing and facing sobriety and a new life. Riz Ahmed is outstanding, and the sound design puts you inside his experience.
Where can I watch Sound of Metal?
In the US you can stream Sound of Metal on Prime Video and watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Prime Video (free with ads) and Amazon MX Player.
Is Sound of Metal OK for kids?
Sound of Metal is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Sound of Metal is an R-rated drama about a heavy-metal drummer losing his hearing and confronting past addiction while in recovery.
What movies are like Sound of Metal?
If you liked Sound of Metal, try CODA, Whiplash, Anvil! The Story of Anvil and A Silent Voice: The Movie.