Tess (1979)
Kernel Score: 80% · 373 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 1979-10-06
Runtime: 172 minutes
Where to watch Tess
- Stream: The Criterion Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A strong-willed peasant girl is sent by her father to the estate of some local aristocrats to capitalize on a rumor that their families are from the same line, but is left traumatised from her experiences.
Tess parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that Tess is a period drama involving rape, murder, and a peasant woman's traumatic experiences with an aristocratic family.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes a rape and a murder central to the plot, along with themes of revenge.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — A sexual assault is a pivotal plot point, handled dramatically rather than graphically per keywords.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Tess
If you liked Tess, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Pride & Prejudice (2005) — 89%
- Far from the Madding Crowd (2015) — 78%
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995) — 86%
- The Choice (2016) — 80%
- Out of Africa (1985) — 80%
- Howards End (1992) — 77%
- Cries and Whispers (1972) — 88%
- Safe Haven (2013) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Nastassja Kinski as Tess Durbeyfield
- Peter Firth as Angel Clare
- Leigh Lawson as Alec d'Urberville
- John Collin as John Durbeyfield
- Rosemary Martin as Mrs. Durbeyfield
- Carolyn Pickles as Marian
- Richard Pearson as Vicar of Marlott
- David Markham as Reverend Mr. Clare
- Pascale de Boysson as Mrs. Clare
- Suzanna Hamilton as Izz Huett
Tess FAQ
Is Tess good?
Tess has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 373 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Tess?
In the US you can stream Tess on The Criterion Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Tess OK for kids?
Tess is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that Tess is a period drama involving rape, murder, and a peasant woman's traumatic experiences with an aristocratic family.
What movies are like Tess?
If you liked Tess, try Pride & Prejudice, Far from the Madding Crowd, The Bridges of Madison County and The Choice.