The Big Country (1958)
Kernel Score: 84% · 399 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Western, Romance
Released: 1958-09-30
Runtime: 167 minutes
Where to watch The Big Country
- Stream: Fubo, Philo, MGM+
- Free with ads: Hoopla, Fawesome, Pluto TV, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Retired wealthy sea captain Jim McKay arrives in the Old West, where he becomes embroiled in a feud between his future father-in-law, Major Terrill, and the rough and lawless Hannasseys over a valuable patch of land.
The Big Country parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Big Country is a classic Western drama involving a feud between families with gunfights and duels.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes a pistol duel, gunfights, and a violent land feud typical of classic Westerns.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Big Country
If you liked The Big Country, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Brokeback Mountain (2005) — 87%
- True Grit (2010) — 81%
- The Revenant (2015) — 84%
- The Piano (1993) — 83%
- The Cowboys (1972) — 79%
- You Keep the Kids (2021) — 80%
Director
Cast
- Gregory Peck as James McKay
- Jean Simmons as Julie Maragon
- Carroll Baker as Patricia Terrill
- Charlton Heston as Steve Leech
- Burl Ives as Rufus Hannassey
- Charles Bickford as Major Henry Terrill
- Alfonso Bedoya as Ramón Guiteras
- Chuck Connors as Buck Hannassey
- Chuck Hayward as Rafe Hannassey
- Buff Brady as Dude Hannassey
The Big Country FAQ
Is The Big Country good?
The Big Country has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 399 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Big Country?
In the US you can stream The Big Country on Fubo, Philo and MGM+, watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Fawesome, Pluto TV, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Big Country OK for kids?
The Big Country is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Big Country is a classic Western drama involving a feud between families with gunfights and duels.
What movies are like The Big Country?
If you liked The Big Country, try Brokeback Mountain, True Grit, The Revenant and The Piano.