The Killing (1956)
Kernel Score: 86% · 1,681 TMDB ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Crime, Thriller
Released: 1956-06-06
Runtime: 85 minutes
Where to watch The Killing
- Stream: Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV, MGM+
- Free with ads: Fandango at Home, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-11-11.
Overview
Career criminal Johnny Clay recruits a sharpshooter, a crooked police officer, a bartender and a betting teller named George, among others, for one last job before he goes straight and gets married. But when George tells his restless wife about the scheme to steal millions from the racetrack where he works, she hatches a plot of her own.
The Killing parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Killing is a classic film-noir heist thriller involving robbery, betrayal, and adultery, with violence typical of 1950s crime films.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts an armed racetrack robbery and its violent fallout, including gunplay, in noir style.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Adultery and a troubled marriage are central plot elements, though handled without explicit content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Killing
If you liked The Killing, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Miller's Crossing (1990) — 85%
- White Heat (1949) — 84%
- Bound (1996) — 79%
- The Place Beyond the Pines (2013) — 77%
- Lucky Number Slevin (2006) — 84%
- Sleuth (1972) — 86%
- The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — 84%
- Out of the Past (1947) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Sterling Hayden as Johnny Clay
- Coleen Gray as Fay
- Vince Edwards as Val Cannon
- Jay C. Flippen as Marvin Unger
- Ted de Corsia as Randy Kennan
- Marie Windsor as Sherry Peatty
- Elisha Cook Jr. as George Peatty
- Joe Sawyer as Mike O'Reilly
- James Edwards as Track Parking Attendant
- Timothy Carey as Nikki Arcane
The Killing FAQ
Is The Killing good?
The Killing has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch The Killing?
In the US you can stream The Killing on Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV and MGM+, watch it free with ads on Fandango at Home and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is The Killing OK for kids?
The Killing is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Killing is a classic film-noir heist thriller involving robbery, betrayal, and adultery, with violence typical of 1950s crime films.
What movies are like The Killing?
If you liked The Killing, try Miller's Crossing, White Heat, Bound and The Place Beyond the Pines.