The Last King of Scotland (2006)
Kernel Score: 84% · 2,315 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2006-09-27
Runtime: 123 minutes
Is The Last King of Scotland worth watching?
Worth watching. A young Scottish doctor becomes Idi Amin's personal physician in Uganda. Forest Whitaker's performance as Amin is magnetic and frightening, and the film turns tense and brutal as it goes.
Watch it if you
- like true-story political dramas
- enjoy a towering lead performance
- can handle some graphic violence
Skip it if you
- want a light watch
- dislike brutal scenes
Best for: Serious drama night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Last King of Scotland
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Young Scottish doctor, Nicholas Garrigan decides it's time for an adventure after he finishes his formal education, so he decides to try his luck in Uganda, and arrives during the downfall of President Obote. General Idi Amin comes to power and asks Garrigan to become his personal doctor.
The Last King of Scotland parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Last King of Scotland is an R-rated drama about a young doctor drawn into the inner circle of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, depicting mass murder and dictatorship-era brutality.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts dictatorship-era violence and mass murder under Idi Amin's brutal regime in 1970s Uganda.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Last King of Scotland
If you liked The Last King of Scotland, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Beasts of No Nation (2015) — 88%: Harrowing story of life under violence in Africa.
- The Constant Gardener (2005) — 77%: Drama and thriller set in Africa about political danger.
- Escape from Pretoria (2020) — 81%: Tense true-story thriller about escape under pressure.
- The Mauritanian (2021) — 84%: True story of injustice with strong performances.
- Bloody Sunday (2002) — 79%: Intense recreation of a violent historical day.
- The Hurricane (1999) — 85%: True-story drama about injustice.
Director
Cast
- Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin
- James McAvoy as Dr. Nicholas Garrigan
- Simon McBurney as British Diplomat
- Gillian Anderson as Sarah Merrit
- Kerry Washington as Kay Amin
- David Oyelowo as Dr. Thomas Junju
- Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga as Masanga
- Adam Kotz as Dr. David Merrit
- Barbara Rafferty as Mrs. Garrigan
- David Ashton as Dr. Garrigan - Senior
The Last King of Scotland FAQ
Is The Last King of Scotland worth watching?
Worth watching. A young Scottish doctor becomes Idi Amin's personal physician in Uganda. Forest Whitaker's performance as Amin is magnetic and frightening, and the film turns tense and brutal as it goes.
Where can I watch The Last King of Scotland?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Last King of Scotland OK for kids?
The Last King of Scotland is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Last King of Scotland is an R-rated drama about a young doctor drawn into the inner circle of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, depicting mass murder and dictatorship-era brutality.
What movies are like The Last King of Scotland?
If you liked The Last King of Scotland, try Beasts of No Nation, The Constant Gardener, Escape from Pretoria and The Mauritanian.