Sully (2016)

Kernel Score: 79% · 7,616 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama, History

Released: 2016-09-07

Runtime: 96 minutes

Is Sully worth watching?

Worth watching. A tight, respectful account of the Hudson River landing and the inquiry that followed. Tom Hanks is solid and it's short, but it's more steady than thrilling.

Watch it if you

  • like true-life stories
  • enjoy Tom Hanks
  • want a short, no-nonsense drama

Skip it if you

  • want a big disaster film
  • dislike slow procedural drama

Best for: Quiet night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Sully

  • Free with ads: YouTube Free
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

On 15 January 2009, the world witnessed the 'Miracle on the Hudson' when Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 souls aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and career.

Sully parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Sully is a PG-13 drama dramatizing the real 'Miracle on the Hudson' emergency plane landing and the ensuing investigation.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a tense airplane emergency landing and depictions of a bird-strike accident, though outcomes are non-graphic.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Sully

If you liked Sully, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Richard Jewell (2019) — 83%: Same director, an innocent man under scrutiny.
  • The Right Stuff (1983) — 83%: The early days of daring pilots and test flights.
  • United 93 (2006) — 81%: Real aviation crisis told with tension.
  • Devotion (2022) — 77%: Real aviators in a military story.
  • Emergency Declaration (2022) — 83%: Airborne crisis with high tension.
  • Gran Torino (2008) — 89%: Same director, a quiet, sturdy drama.

Director

Clint Eastwood

Cast

  • Tom Hanks as Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger
  • Aaron Eckhart as Jeff Skiles
  • Anna Gunn as Elizabeth Davis
  • Holt McCallany as Mike Cleary
  • Mike O'Malley as Charles Porter
  • Jamey Sheridan as Ben Edwards
  • Valerie Mahaffey as Diane Higgins
  • Delphi Harrington as Lucille Palmer
  • Ahmed Lucan as Egyptian Driver
  • Laura Linney as Lorrie Sullenberger

Sully FAQ

Is Sully worth watching?

Worth watching. A tight, respectful account of the Hudson River landing and the inquiry that followed. Tom Hanks is solid and it's short, but it's more steady than thrilling.

Where can I watch Sully?

In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Sully OK for kids?

Sully is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Sully is a PG-13 drama dramatizing the real 'Miracle on the Hudson' emergency plane landing and the ensuing investigation.

What movies are like Sully?

If you liked Sully, try Richard Jewell, The Right Stuff, United 93 and Devotion.