The Killing Fields (1984)
Kernel Score: 84% · 812 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, History, War
Released: 1984-11-23
Runtime: 142 minutes
Where to watch The Killing Fields
- Free with ads: Kanopy, The Roku Channel, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg is on assignment covering the Cambodian Civil War, with the help of local interpreter Dith Pran and American photojournalist Al Rockoff. When the U.S. Army pulls out amid escalating violence, Schanberg makes exit arrangements for Pran and his family. Pran, however, tells Schanberg he intends to stay in Cambodia to help cover the unfolding story — a decision he may regret as the Khmer Rouge rebels move in.
The Killing Fields parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Killing Fields is an R-rated war drama depicting genocide and wartime brutality.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — The film depicts the Cambodian genocide, mass murder, and brutal wartime atrocities, per keywords like 'genocide' and 'killing fields'.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Killing Fields
If you liked The Killing Fields, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- First They Killed My Father (2017) — 83%
- Apocalypse Now (1979) — 91%
- Salvador (1986) — 77%
- Full Metal Jacket (1987) — 90%
- Beasts of No Nation (2015) — 88%
- Platoon (1986) — 87%
- The Last Full Measure (2020) — 81%
- Casualties of War (1989) — 81%
Director
Roland Joffé
Cast
- Sam Waterston as Sydney Schanberg
- Haing S. Ngor as Dith Pran
- John Malkovich as Al Rockoff
- Julian Sands as Jon Swain
- Craig T. Nelson as Military Attaché
- Spalding Gray as U.S. Consul
- Bill Paterson as Dr. MacEntire
- Athol Fugard as Dr. Sundesval
- Graham Kennedy as Dougal
- Katherine Krapum Chey as Ser Moeum (Pran's Wife)
The Killing Fields FAQ
Is The Killing Fields good?
The Killing Fields has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 812 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Killing Fields?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, The Roku Channel, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Killing Fields OK for kids?
The Killing Fields is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Killing Fields is an R-rated war drama depicting genocide and wartime brutality.
What movies are like The Killing Fields?
If you liked The Killing Fields, try First They Killed My Father, Apocalypse Now, Salvador and Full Metal Jacket.