The Barbarian Invasions (2003)
Kernel Score: 79% · 395 ratings
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2003-05-01
Runtime: 99 minutes
Where to watch The Barbarian Invasions
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
In this belated sequel to 'The Decline of the American Empire', middle-aged Montreal college professor, Remy, learns that he is dying of liver cancer. His ex-wife, Louise, asks their estranged son, Sebastian, a successful businessman living in London, to come home. Sebastian makes the impossible happen, using his contacts and disrupting the Canadian healthcare system in every way possible to help his father fight his terminal illness to the bitter end, while reuniting some of Remy's old friends, including Pierre, Alain, Dominique, Diane, and Claude, who return to see their friend before he passes on.
The Barbarian Invasions parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that this drama centers on a father dying of cancer and includes themes of illness, family conflict, and mature adult life choices.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Focus is on terminal illness rather than physical violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Barbarian Invasions
If you liked The Barbarian Invasions, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- All My Life (2020) — 89%
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- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) — 86%
- Le Brio (2017) — 75%
- My Oxford Year (2025) — 77%
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) — 84%
- Good Bye, Lenin! (2003) — 84%
- Paddleton (2019) — 77%
Director
Denys Arcand
Cast
- Rémy Girard as Rémy
- Stéphane Rousseau as Sébastien
- Marie-Josée Croze as Nathalie
- Dorothée Berryman as Louise
- Louise Portal as Diane Leonard
- Dominique Michel as Dominique St. Arnaud
- Pierre Curzi as Pierre Citrouillard
- Yves Jacques as Claude
- Marina Hands as Gaëlle
- Sophie Lorain as First Lover
The Barbarian Invasions FAQ
Is The Barbarian Invasions good?
The Barbarian Invasions has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 395 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Barbarian Invasions?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Barbarian Invasions OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that this drama centers on a father dying of cancer and includes themes of illness, family conflict, and mature adult life choices.
What movies are like The Barbarian Invasions?
If you liked The Barbarian Invasions, try All My Life, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and Le Brio.