The Horse Soldiers (1959)
Kernel Score: 78% · 273 TMDB ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Western, War
Released: 1959-06-11
Runtime: 115 minutes
Where to watch The Horse Soldiers
- Free with ads: Hoopla, Fawesome, YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-11.
Overview
A Union Cavalry outfit is sent behind confederate lines in strength to destroy a rail supply center. Along with them is sent a doctor who causes instant antipathy between him and the commander. The secret plan for the mission is overheard by a southern belle who must be taken along to assure her silence.
The Horse Soldiers parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that this Civil War-era Western involves wartime cavalry action.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Wartime cavalry conflict and standoffs typical of a PG Western.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Horse Soldiers
If you liked The Horse Soldiers, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Alamo (1960) — 78%
- Gettysburg (1993) — 74%
- Sergeant York (1941) — 79%
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) — 87%
- Open Range (2003) — 82%
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) — 84%
- Midway (2019) — 78%
- Shane (1953) — 81%
Director
Cast
- John Wayne as Col John Marlowe
- William Holden as Major 'Hank' Kendall
- Constance Towers as Miss Hannah Hunter
- Judson Pratt as Sgt Major Kirby
- Hoot Gibson as Sgt. Brown
- Ken Curtis as Cpl. Wilkie
- Willis Bouchey as Col. Phil Secord
- Bing Russell as Dunker, Yankee Soldier Amputee
- O.Z. Whitehead as Otis 'Hoppy' Hopkins
- Hank Worden as Deacon Clump
The Horse Soldiers FAQ
Is The Horse Soldiers good?
The Horse Soldiers has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch The Horse Soldiers?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Fawesome, YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Horse Soldiers OK for kids?
The Horse Soldiers is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that this Civil War-era Western involves wartime cavalry action.
What movies are like The Horse Soldiers?
If you liked The Horse Soldiers, try The Alamo, Gettysburg, Sergeant York and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.