The Bourne Identity (2002)
Kernel Score: 84% · 9,929 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Released: 2002-06-14
Runtime: 119 minutes
Is The Bourne Identity worth watching?
Worth watching. A lean, grounded spy thriller with a good central mystery and fast fights and car chases. It looks and feels more real than most action films and Matt Damon is a convincing amnesiac killer.
Watch it if you
- like spy thrillers with realistic fights
- enjoy a 'who am I?' mystery
- want action that doesn't rely on CGI
Skip it if you
- want big spectacle
- dislike shaky handheld camerawork
Best for: Date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Bourne Identity
- Stream: Netflix
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Wounded to the brink of death and suffering from amnesia, Jason Bourne is rescued at sea by a fisherman. With nothing to go on but a Swiss bank account number, he starts to reconstruct his life, but finds that many people he encounters want him dead. However, Bourne realizes that he has the combat and mental skills of a world-class spy—but who does he work for?
The Bourne Identity parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Bourne Identity is a PG-13 spy action-thriller involving amnesia, assassins, and combat.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Contains shootouts, foot chases, and hand-to-hand combat typical of a spy action thriller.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Bourne Identity
If you liked The Bourne Identity, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Bourne Supremacy (2004) — 84%: The direct sequel, with faster action and a tighter chase
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) — 85%: The conclusion of the trilogy, with an excellent chase
- Casino Royale (2006) — 87%: Gritty, physical reinvention of a spy hero
- Edge of Tomorrow (2014) — 91%: Clever, fast action about a soldier learning to fight
- Mission: Impossible (1996) — 77%: Stylish spy thriller with a famous break-in
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%: Tense undercover thriller with a twisty plot
Director
Cast
- Matt Damon as Jason Bourne
- Franka Potente as Marie Helena Kreutz
- Chris Cooper as Alexander Conklin
- Clive Owen as The Professor
- Brian Cox as Ward Abbott
- Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Nykwana Wombosi
- Gabriel Mann as Danny Zorn
- Julia Stiles as Nicky Parsons
- Walton Goggins as Research Tech
- Josh Hamilton as Research Tech
The Bourne Identity FAQ
Is The Bourne Identity worth watching?
Worth watching. A lean, grounded spy thriller with a good central mystery and fast fights and car chases. It looks and feels more real than most action films and Matt Damon is a convincing amnesiac killer.
Where can I watch The Bourne Identity?
In the US you can stream The Bourne Identity on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Bourne Identity OK for kids?
The Bourne Identity is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Bourne Identity is a PG-13 spy action-thriller involving amnesia, assassins, and combat.
What movies are like The Bourne Identity?
If you liked The Bourne Identity, try The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, Casino Royale and Edge of Tomorrow.