The Big Boss (1971)
Kernel Score: 79% · 815 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action
Released: 1971-10-23
Runtime: 99 minutes
Where to watch The Big Boss
- Stream: FlixFling, WeTV
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Darkroom, Philo, Fandango at Home, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Cheng is a young Chinese mainlander who moves in with his expatriate cousins to work at an ice factory in Thailand. He does this with a family promise never to get involved in any fights. However, when members of his family begin disappearing after meeting the management of the factory, the resulting mystery and pressures force him to break that vow and take on the villainy of the Big Boss.
The Big Boss parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Big Boss is an R-rated Bruce Lee martial arts film involving drug smuggling and violent factory intrigue.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Rated R with kung fu fighting and violence tied to a drug-smuggling criminal enterprise.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Drug smuggling is a central plot element involving the ice factory's criminal operations.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Big Boss
If you liked The Big Boss, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Furious (2026) — 98%
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) — 85%
- Enter the Dragon (1973) — 83%
- Fist of Legend (1994) — 86%
- Flamin' Hot (2023) — 87%
- The Forbidden City (2025) — 75%
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) — 86%
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986) — 80%
Director
Cast
- Bruce Lee as Cheng Chiu On
- Maria Yi as Chiao Mei
- James Tien Chun as Hsiu Chien
- Marilyn Bautista as Miss Wuman
- Han Ying-Chieh as Boss Mi
- Tony Liu Tian-jue as Boss Mi's son
- Li Kun as Ah Kun
- Nora Miao as Lemonade girl
- Kam Shan as Ah Shan
- Chan Chue as Factory manager
The Big Boss FAQ
Is The Big Boss good?
The Big Boss has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 815 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Big Boss?
In the US you can stream The Big Boss on FlixFling and WeTV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Darkroom, Philo, Fandango at Home and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Big Boss OK for kids?
The Big Boss is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Big Boss is an R-rated Bruce Lee martial arts film involving drug smuggling and violent factory intrigue.
What movies are like The Big Boss?
If you liked The Big Boss, try The Furious, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Enter the Dragon and Fist of Legend.