Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
Kernel Score: 86% · 569 ratings
Genres: Drama
Released: 1957-07-04
Runtime: 97 minutes
Where to watch Sweet Smell of Success
- Stream: Prime Video, Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Hoopla, 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
New York City newspaper writer J.J. Hunsecker holds considerable sway over public opinion with his Broadway column, but one thing that he can't control is his younger sister, Susan, who is in a relationship with aspiring jazz guitarist Steve Dallas. Hunsecker strongly disapproves of the romance and recruits publicist Sidney Falco to find a way to split the couple, no matter how ruthless the method.
Sweet Smell of Success parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Sweet Smell of Success is a 1957 film noir about ruthless manipulation, media power, and a controlling brother scheming against his sister's relationship.
- Violence & scariness: A little — The film centers on psychological and reputational manipulation rather than physical violence, though threats occur.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Sweet Smell of Success
If you liked Sweet Smell of Success, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Color Purple (1985) — 86%
- Citizen Kane (1941) — 94%
- Raging Bull (1980) — 89%
- The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — 84%
- Shame (2011) — 75%
- Shoot the Piano Player (1960) — 80%
- Short Cuts (1993) — 79%
- Odd Man Out (1947) — 82%
Director
Alexander Mackendrick
Cast
- Burt Lancaster as J.J. Hunsecker
- Tony Curtis as Sidney Falco
- Susan Harrison as Susan Hunsecker
- Martin Milner as Steve Dallas
- Jeff Donnell as Sally
- Sam Levene as Frank D' Angelo
- Joe Frisco as Herbie Temple
- Barbara Nichols as Rita
- Emile Meyer as Lt. Harry Kello
- Edith Atwater as Mary
Sweet Smell of Success FAQ
Is Sweet Smell of Success good?
Sweet Smell of Success has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 569 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Sweet Smell of Success?
In the US you can stream Sweet Smell of Success on Prime Video, Fubo, Philo and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Hoopla, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Sweet Smell of Success OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Sweet Smell of Success is a 1957 film noir about ruthless manipulation, media power, and a controlling brother scheming against his sister's relationship.
What movies are like Sweet Smell of Success?
If you liked Sweet Smell of Success, try The Color Purple, Citizen Kane, Raging Bull and The Asphalt Jungle.