The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)
Kernel Score: 79% · 243 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 1955-12-26
Runtime: 119 minutes
Where to watch The Man with the Golden Arm
- Stream: Prime Video, Brew, FlixFling
- Free with ads: JustWatch TV Free, Kanopy, Hoopla, FlixHouse, Darkroom
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
When illegal card dealer and recovering heroin addict Frankie Machine gets out of prison, he decides to straighten up. Armed with nothing but an old drum set, Frankie tries to get honest work as a drummer. But when his former employer and his old drug dealer re-enter his life, Frankie finds it hard to stay clean and eventually finds himself succumbing to his old habits.
The Man with the Golden Arm parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that The Man with the Golden Arm centers on heroin addiction, relapse, and gambling.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Intense — The plot centers on a recovering heroin addict who relapses, including depiction of withdrawal ('cold turkey').
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Man with the Golden Arm
If you liked The Man with the Golden Arm, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dancer in the Dark (2000) — 87%
- Trainspotting (1996) — 88%
- Catch Me If You Can (2002) — 93%
- The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — 84%
- A Street Cat Named Bob (2016) — 87%
- Whiplash (2014) — 96%
- The Cincinnati Kid (1965) — 76%
- Creed III (2023) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Frank Sinatra as Frankie Machine
- Eleanor Parker as Zosch Machine
- Kim Novak as Molly
- Arnold Stang as Sparrow
- Darren McGavin as Louie
- Robert Strauss as Schwiefka
- John Conte as Drunky
- Doro Merande as Vi
- George E. Stone as Sam Markette
- George Mathews as Williams
The Man with the Golden Arm FAQ
Is The Man with the Golden Arm good?
The Man with the Golden Arm has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 243 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Man with the Golden Arm?
In the US you can stream The Man with the Golden Arm on Prime Video, Brew and FlixFling, watch it free with ads on JustWatch TV Free, Kanopy, Hoopla, FlixHouse and Darkroom and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home and FlixFling.
Is The Man with the Golden Arm OK for kids?
The Man with the Golden Arm is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that The Man with the Golden Arm centers on heroin addiction, relapse, and gambling.
What movies are like The Man with the Golden Arm?
If you liked The Man with the Golden Arm, try Dancer in the Dark, Trainspotting, Catch Me If You Can and The Asphalt Jungle.