The Mauritanian (2021)
Kernel Score: 84% · 1,253 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Released: 2021-02-12
Runtime: 129 minutes
Where to watch The Mauritanian
- Free with ads: Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Plex, Xumo Play
- Rent: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The true story of the Mauritanian Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was held at the U.S military's Guantanamo Bay detention center without charges for over a decade and sought help from a defense attorney for his release.
The Mauritanian parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that The Mauritanian depicts torture, sleep deprivation, and interrogation of a Guantanamo Bay detainee based on a true story.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts torture, interrogation and sleep deprivation used against a detainee, based on real events.
- Language: Some — Rated R, dramatic legal/prison dialogue likely includes some strong language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Mauritanian
If you liked The Mauritanian, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Midnight Express (1978) — 84%
- Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985) — 77%
- Shutter Island (2010) — 91%
- Emancipation (2022) — 87%
- Room (2015) — 89%
- Murder in the First (1995) — 80%
- Nothing But the Truth (2008) — 76%
- Cool Hand Luke (1967) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Tahar Rahim as Mohamedou Ould Slahi
- Jodie Foster as Nancy Hollander
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Lt. Stuart Couch
- Shailene Woodley as Teri Duncan
- Zachary Levi as Neil Buckland
- Langley Kirkwood as Sergeant Sands
- Saamer Usmani as Arjun
- Corey Johnson as Bill Seidel
- Matthew Marsh as General Miller
- David Fynn as Kent
The Mauritanian FAQ
Is The Mauritanian good?
The Mauritanian has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,253 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Mauritanian?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Plex and Xumo Play and rent it from Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is The Mauritanian OK for kids?
The Mauritanian is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that The Mauritanian depicts torture, sleep deprivation, and interrogation of a Guantanamo Bay detainee based on a true story.
What movies are like The Mauritanian?
If you liked The Mauritanian, try Midnight Express, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Shutter Island and Emancipation.