The Boondock Saints (1999)
Kernel Score: 81% · 2,622 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
Released: 1999-01-22
Runtime: 108 minutes
Is The Boondock Saints worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Two Irish-American brothers decide they're on a mission from God to wipe out Boston's criminals. It's violent, stylised and cheeky, a cult favourite for some and a clumsy Tarantino imitation for others.
Watch it if you
- like violent cult action
- enjoy Willem Dafoe being wild
- want a stylish shoot-'em-up with attitude
Skip it if you
- dislike vigilante-justice themes
- want polished, subtle writing
Best for: Guys' night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Boondock Saints
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock
- Free with ads: The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Tired of the crime overrunning the streets of Boston, Irish Catholic twin brothers Conner and Murphy are inspired by their faith to cleanse their hometown of evil with their own brand of zealous vigilante justice. As they hunt down and kill one notorious gangster after another, they become controversial folk heroes in the community. But Paul Smecker, an eccentric FBI agent, is fast closing in on their blood-soaked trail.
The Boondock Saints parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Boondock Saints is an R-rated crime thriller about vigilante twin brothers who violently execute criminals in Boston.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Features frequent shootouts, public executions, and graphic vigilante killings throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Boondock Saints
If you liked The Boondock Saints, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Departed (2006) — 96%: Boston crime story, richer and more serious.
- Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) — 88%: Stylish, violent revenge saga with swagger.
- The French Connection (1971) — 87%: Gritty classic cop-and-crime story.
- John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) — 86%: Stylised action with an assassin's code.
- The Raid (2012) — 84%: Brutal, relentless action.
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%: Slick crime thriller with cat-and-mouse cops.
Director
Troy Duffy
Cast
- Willem Dafoe as Paul Smecker
- Sean Patrick Flanery as Conner MacManus
- Norman Reedus as Murphy MacManus
- David Della Rocco as Rocco
- Billy Connolly as Il Duce
- David Ferry as Detective Dolly
- Brian Mahoney as Detective Duffy
- Bob Marley as Detective Greenly
- Richard Fitzpatrick as The Chief
- William Young as Monsignor
The Boondock Saints FAQ
Is The Boondock Saints worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Two Irish-American brothers decide they're on a mission from God to wipe out Boston's criminals. It's violent, stylised and cheeky, a cult favourite for some and a clumsy Tarantino imitation for others.
Where can I watch The Boondock Saints?
In the US you can stream The Boondock Saints on Prime Video, Hulu and Peacock, watch it free with ads on The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome and The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Boondock Saints OK for kids?
The Boondock Saints is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Boondock Saints is an R-rated crime thriller about vigilante twin brothers who violently execute criminals in Boston.
What movies are like The Boondock Saints?
If you liked The Boondock Saints, try The Departed, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, The French Connection and John Wick: Chapter 4.