The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Kernel Score: 88% · 872 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, War, History
Released: 1966-09-08
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to watch The Battle of Algiers
- Stream: HBO Max
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Shout! Factory TV, Plex, Mometu, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Paratrooper commander Colonel Mathieu, a former French Resistance fighter during World War II, is sent to Algeria to reinforce efforts to squelch the uprisings of the Algerian War. There he faces Ali la Pointe, a former petty criminal who, as the leader of the Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale, directs terror strategies against the colonial French government occupation. As each side resorts to ever-increasing brutality, no violent act is too unthinkable.
The Battle of Algiers parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that The Battle of Algiers is a Not Rated historical war drama depicting brutal urban guerrilla warfare during the Algerian independence struggle.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Depicts terrorism, torture, and brutal colonial-era warfare in stark, unflinching detail.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Battle of Algiers
If you liked The Battle of Algiers, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Inglourious Basterds (2009) — 89%
- Beasts of No Nation (2015) — 88%
- The Siege of Jadotville (2016) — 80%
- Resistance (2020) — 76%
- The Beast (1988) — 77%
- Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962) — 86%
- Papicha (2019) — 87%
- Rose Island (2020) — 79%
Director
Gillo Pontecorvo
Cast
- Brahim Hadjadj as Ali La Pointe
- Jean Martin as Colonel Philippe Mathieu
- Yacef Saâdi as El-Hadi Jaffar
- Fouzia El Kader as Halima
- Mohamed Ben Kassen as Petit Omar
- Hadj Smaine Mohamed Seghir
- Larbi Zekkal as Combattant FLN
- Rouiched as The Drunk Man (uncredited)
- Noureddine Brahimi as Responsable FLN
- Si Mohamed Baghdadi as Larbi Ben M'hidi
The Battle of Algiers FAQ
Is The Battle of Algiers good?
The Battle of Algiers has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 872 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Battle of Algiers?
In the US you can stream The Battle of Algiers on HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Shout! Factory TV, Plex, Mometu and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Battle of Algiers OK for kids?
The Battle of Algiers is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that The Battle of Algiers is a Not Rated historical war drama depicting brutal urban guerrilla warfare during the Algerian independence struggle.
What movies are like The Battle of Algiers?
If you liked The Battle of Algiers, try Inglourious Basterds, Beasts of No Nation, The Siege of Jadotville and Resistance.