Source Code (2011)
Kernel Score: 82% · 8,954 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery
Released: 2011-03-30
Runtime: 93 minutes
Is Source Code worth watching?
Worth watching. A tight, clever thriller that sends a soldier into another man's body for the last eight minutes of a train bombing, over and over. It's brisk, twisty and moving, with an ending that divides people.
Watch it if you
- like time-loop puzzles with a ticking clock
- enjoy compact, fast sci-fi under two hours
- want a thriller with a real emotional core
Skip it if you
- need every plot detail to be airtight
- dislike open-ended sci-fi endings
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Source Code
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.
Source Code parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Source Code is a tense sci-fi thriller involving a train bombing, repeated violent death scenes, and mild language.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts a train bombing and its aftermath multiple times, including character deaths and injuries in a time-loop structure.
- Language: A little — Some mild profanity is present, consistent with a PG-13 thriller.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Source Code
If you liked Source Code, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Edge of Tomorrow (2014) — 91%: A soldier relives the same day until he gets it right.
- Moon (2009) — 87%: Duncan Jones's other lonely, thoughtful sci-fi about identity.
- Twelve Monkeys (1995) — 87%: Time travel as a thriller with a mystery to crack.
- Tenet (2020) — 81%: Time-bending action with a race against disaster.
- Frequency (2000) — 81%: Time-crossing premise with a strong heart at its centre.
- Run Lola Run (1998) — 81%: Repeated attempts, frantic pace and a clock always running.
Director
Duncan Jones
Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Colter Stevens
- Michelle Monaghan as Christina Warren
- Vera Farmiga as Colleen Goodwin
- Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Rutledge
- Michael Arden as Derek Frost
- Cas Anvar as Hazmi
- Russell Peters as Max Denoff
- Brent Skagford as George Troxel
- Craig Thomas as Gold Watch Executive
- Gordon Masten as Conductor
Source Code FAQ
Is Source Code worth watching?
Worth watching. A tight, clever thriller that sends a soldier into another man's body for the last eight minutes of a train bombing, over and over. It's brisk, twisty and moving, with an ending that divides people.
Where can I watch Source Code?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Source Code OK for kids?
Source Code is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Source Code is a tense sci-fi thriller involving a train bombing, repeated violent death scenes, and mild language.
What movies are like Source Code?
If you liked Source Code, try Edge of Tomorrow, Moon, Twelve Monkeys and Tenet.