The Conversation (1974)
Kernel Score: 87% · 1,988 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Released: 1974-04-12
Runtime: 114 minutes
Where to watch The Conversation
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A paranoid, secretive surveillance expert has a crisis of conscience when he suspects that the couple he is spying on will be murdered.
The Conversation parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Conversation is a 1974 PG psychological thriller about a surveillance expert's crisis of conscience over a possible murder plot.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Involves an implied/suspected murder plot and its psychological aftermath rather than graphic violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Conversation
If you liked The Conversation, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) — 86%
- Insomnia (2002) — 76%
- The Maltese Falcon (1941) — 88%
- Mercy (2026) — 79%
- All the President's Men (1976) — 85%
- Missing (2023) — 83%
- Rear Window (1954) — 93%
- Three Colors: Red (1994) — 88%
Director
Cast
- Gene Hackman as Harry Caul
- John Cazale as Stan
- Allen Garfield as William P. 'Bernie' Moran
- Frederic Forrest as Mark
- Cindy Williams as Ann
- Michael Higgins as Paul
- Elizabeth MacRae as Meredith
- Teri Garr as Amy Fredericks
- Harrison Ford as Martin Stett
- Mark Wheeler as Receptionist
The Conversation FAQ
Is The Conversation good?
The Conversation has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,988 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Conversation?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Conversation OK for kids?
The Conversation is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Conversation is a 1974 PG psychological thriller about a surveillance expert's crisis of conscience over a possible murder plot.
What movies are like The Conversation?
If you liked The Conversation, try The Man Who Knew Too Much, Insomnia, The Maltese Falcon and Mercy.