The Insider (1999)
Kernel Score: 83% · 2,010 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Released: 1999-10-28
Runtime: 158 minutes
Where to watch The Insider
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.
The Insider parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this R-rated drama follows a tobacco-industry whistleblower facing personal and professional attacks.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Centers on the tobacco industry and addictive substances, though depicted critically.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Insider
If you liked The Insider, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bridge of Spies (2015) — 82%
- Snowden (2016) — 79%
- Relay (2025) — 77%
- Thank You for Smoking (2005) — 82%
- Official Secrets (2019) — 83%
- Shattered Glass (2003) — 78%
- The Life of David Gale (2003) — 84%
- Ace in the Hole (1951) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Al Pacino as Lowell Bergman
- Russell Crowe as Jeffrey Wigand
- Christopher Plummer as Mike Wallace
- Diane Venora as Liane Wigand
- Philip Baker Hall as Don Hewitt
- Lindsay Crouse as Sharon Tiller
- Debi Mazar as Debbie De Luca
- Stephen Tobolowsky as Eric Kluster
- Colm Feore as Richard Scruggs
- Bruce McGill as Ron Motley
The Insider FAQ
Is The Insider good?
The Insider has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 2,010 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Insider?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Insider OK for kids?
The Insider is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this R-rated drama follows a tobacco-industry whistleblower facing personal and professional attacks.
What movies are like The Insider?
If you liked The Insider, try Bridge of Spies, Snowden, Relay and Thank You for Smoking.