The Express (2008)
Kernel Score: 79% · 280 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama
Released: 2008-10-10
Runtime: 130 minutes
Where to watch The Express
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Follow the inspirational life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.
The Express parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Express is a PG-rated true-story sports drama about pioneering Black college football star Ernie Davis, dealing with racism of the era.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Depicts racial hostility and some on-field football hits typical of a biographical sports drama.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Express
If you liked The Express, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rudy (1993) — 84%
- Invincible (2006) — 79%
- The Blind Side (2009) — 86%
- Rise (2022) — 87%
- American Underdog (2021) — 79%
- Facing the Giants (2006) — 85%
- Remember the Titans (2000) — 86%
- Brian Banks (2019) — 81%
Director
Gary Fleder
Cast
- Rob Brown as Ernie Davis
- Dennis Quaid as Ben Schwartzwalder
- Darrin Henson as Jim Brown
- Omar Benson Miller as Jack Buckley
- Nelsan Ellis as Will Davis, Jr.
- Charles S. Dutton as Willie 'Pops' Davis
- Justin Martin as Young Ernie
- Justin Jones as Young Will
- Nicole Beharie as Sarah Ward
- Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Marie Davis
The Express FAQ
Is The Express good?
The Express has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 280 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Express?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Express OK for kids?
The Express is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Express is a PG-rated true-story sports drama about pioneering Black college football star Ernie Davis, dealing with racism of the era.
What movies are like The Express?
If you liked The Express, try Rudy, Invincible, The Blind Side and Rise.