The 39 Steps (1935)
Kernel Score: 84% · 1,032 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Released: 1935-06-06
Runtime: 86 minutes
Where to watch The 39 Steps
- Stream: Prime Video, TCM, HBO Max, Artiflix
- Free with ads: JustWatch TV Free, Hoopla, FlixHouse, Fawesome, Philo
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Richard Hanney has a rude awakening when a glamorous female spy falls into his bed - with a knife in her back. Having a bit of trouble explaining it all to Scotland Yard, he heads for the hills of Scotland to try to clear his name by locating the spy ring known as The 39 Steps.
The 39 Steps parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The 39 Steps is a classic black-and-white spy thriller involving a murder frame-up and manhunt.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a murder, a manhunt, and a fugitive on the run, but violence is mild and dated by classic-film standards.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The 39 Steps
If you liked The 39 Steps, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Sherlock Holmes (2009) — 81%
- Gaslight (1944) — 86%
- Foreign Correspondent (1940) — 77%
- The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — 84%
- Badlands (1974) — 84%
- High Sierra (1941) — 79%
- Spycies (2020) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Robert Donat as Richard Hannay
- Madeleine Carroll as Pamela
- Lucie Mannheim as Annabella Smith
- Godfrey Tearle as Professor Jordan
- Peggy Ashcroft as The Crofter's Wife Margaret
- John Laurie as John the Crofter
- Helen Haye as Louisa Jordan
- Frank Cellier as Sheriff Watson
- Wylie Watson as Mr. Memory
- Gus McNaughton as Salesman on the Flying Scotsman
The 39 Steps FAQ
Is The 39 Steps good?
The 39 Steps has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,032 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The 39 Steps?
In the US you can stream The 39 Steps on Prime Video, TCM, HBO Max and Artiflix, watch it free with ads on JustWatch TV Free, Hoopla, FlixHouse, Fawesome and Philo and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is The 39 Steps OK for kids?
The 39 Steps is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The 39 Steps is a classic black-and-white spy thriller involving a murder frame-up and manhunt.
What movies are like The 39 Steps?
If you liked The 39 Steps, try Sherlock Holmes, Gaslight, Foreign Correspondent and The Asphalt Jungle.