The Last Emperor (1987)
Kernel Score: 85% · 1,875 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, History
Released: 1987-10-04
Runtime: 163 minutes
Where to watch The Last Emperor
- Stream: The Criterion Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A dramatic history of Pu Yi, the last of the Emperors of China, from his lofty birth and brief reign in the Forbidden City, the object of worship by half a billion people; through his abdication, his decline and dissolute lifestyle; his exploitation by the invading Japanese, and finally to his obscure existence as just another peasant worker in the People's Republic.
The Last Emperor parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Last Emperor is a historical drama depicting war, drug addiction, and a suicide attempt, rated PG-13.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes war crimes, a coup, and a suicide attempt during a turbulent historical period.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Depicts opium use and drug addiction as part of the emperor's decline.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Last Emperor
If you liked The Last Emperor, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Girl, Interrupted (1999) — 86%
- The Physician (2013) — 84%
- The Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer (1961) — 91%
- Cherry (2021) — 84%
- You Don't Know Jack (2010) — 75%
- The Flowers of War (2011) — 83%
- City of Life and Death (2009) — 85%
- Diplomacy (2014) — 79%
Director
Cast
- John Lone as Pu Yi (Adult)
- Joan Chen as Wan Jung
- Peter O'Toole as Reginald Johnston (R.J.)
- Ruocheng Ying as The Governor
- Victor Wong as Chen Pao Shen
- Dennis Dun as Big Li
- Ryuichi Sakamoto as Amakasu
- Maggie Han as Eastern Jewel
- Ric Young as Interrogator
- Vivian Wu as Wen Hsiu
The Last Emperor FAQ
Is The Last Emperor good?
The Last Emperor has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,875 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Last Emperor?
In the US you can stream The Last Emperor on The Criterion Channel, HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is The Last Emperor OK for kids?
The Last Emperor is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Last Emperor is a historical drama depicting war, drug addiction, and a suicide attempt, rated PG-13.
What movies are like The Last Emperor?
If you liked The Last Emperor, try Girl, Interrupted, The Physician, The Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer and Cherry.