The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Kernel Score: 87% · 24,062 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2012-07-17
Runtime: 165 minutes
Is The Dark Knight Rises worth watching?
Worth watching. Nolan's trilogy-ender is ambitious and often thrilling, with strong set pieces and a great villain look, even if the plot gets loose and the pacing sags. Best after seeing the first two.
Watch it if you
- loved the earlier Nolan Batman films
- want a big, serious finale
- enjoy city-wide action
Skip it if you
- haven't seen the first two films
- dislike plot holes and mumbled dialogue
Best for: Trilogy night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Dark Knight Rises
- Stream: YouTube TV, HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Following the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman assumes responsibility for Dent's crimes to protect the late attorney's reputation and is subsequently hunted by the Gotham City Police Department. Eight years later, Batman encounters the mysterious Selina Kyle and the villainous Bane, a new terrorist leader who overwhelms Gotham's finest. The Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.
The Dark Knight Rises parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this PG-13 superhero film features intense action, terrorism themes and large-scale destruction alongside heroic self-sacrifice.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Extended combat, hostage situations, terrorism and citywide destruction, staged in the PG-13 style.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Mild flirtation involving the cat-burglar character.
- Language: Some — Some moderate language within its PG-13 rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Dark Knight Rises
If you liked The Dark Knight Rises, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Dark Knight (2008) — 96%: The best of the trilogy and the one to see first.
- Batman Begins (2005) — 88%: The origin story that begins the trilogy.
- The Batman (2022) — 88%: Darker, slower take on the same character.
- The Prestige (2006) — 95%: Nolan again, with a tricky, clever plot.
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) — 85%: Tense, fast, serious action thriller.
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%: Cop-and-criminal thriller that inspired The Departed.
Director
Cast
- Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne
- Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon
- Tom Hardy as Bane
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Blake
- Anne Hathaway as Selina
- Marion Cotillard as Miranda
- Morgan Freeman as Fox
- Michael Caine as Alfred
- Matthew Modine as Foley
- Alon Aboutboul as Dr. Pavel
The Dark Knight Rises FAQ
Is The Dark Knight Rises worth watching?
Worth watching. Nolan's trilogy-ender is ambitious and often thrilling, with strong set pieces and a great villain look, even if the plot gets loose and the pacing sags. Best after seeing the first two.
Where can I watch The Dark Knight Rises?
In the US you can stream The Dark Knight Rises on YouTube TV and HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Dark Knight Rises OK for kids?
The Dark Knight Rises is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this PG-13 superhero film features intense action, terrorism themes and large-scale destruction alongside heroic self-sacrifice.
What movies are like The Dark Knight Rises?
If you liked The Dark Knight Rises, try The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, The Batman and The Prestige.