The China Syndrome (1979)
Kernel Score: 81% · 506 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Released: 1979-03-16
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to watch The China Syndrome
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: 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
While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicize the incident, but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret.
The China Syndrome parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The China Syndrome is a thriller about a nuclear power plant accident and the cover-up that follows.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts a tense nuclear accident and its dangerous aftermath, including a conspiracy to silence a whistleblower.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The China Syndrome
If you liked The China Syndrome, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Silkwood (1983) — 75%
- Pandora (2016) — 85%
- Nothing But the Truth (2008) — 76%
- The Game (1997) — 86%
- The Towering Inferno (1974) — 78%
- Dear Zindagi (2016) — 78%
Director
James Bridges
Cast
- Jane Fonda as Kimberly Wells
- Michael Douglas as Richard Adams
- Jack Lemmon as Jack Godell
- Scott Brady as Herman De Young
- James Hampton as Bill Gibson
- Peter Donat as Don Jacovich
- Wilford Brimley as Ted Spindler
- Richard Herd as Evan McCormack
- Daniel Valdez as Hector Salas
- Stan Bohrman as Pete Martin
The China Syndrome FAQ
Is The China Syndrome good?
The China Syndrome has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 506 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The China Syndrome?
In the US you can stream The China Syndrome on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The China Syndrome OK for kids?
The China Syndrome is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The China Syndrome is a thriller about a nuclear power plant accident and the cover-up that follows.
What movies are like The China Syndrome?
If you liked The China Syndrome, try Silkwood, Pandora, Nothing But the Truth and The Game.