The Passenger (1975)
Kernel Score: 82% · 529 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Released: 1975-02-28
Runtime: 126 minutes
Where to watch The Passenger
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Fawesome, Tubi
- Buy: Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
David Locke is a world-weary American journalist who has been sent to cover a conflict in northern Africa, but he makes little progress with the story. When he discovers the body of a stranger who looks similar to him, Locke assumes the dead man's identity. However, he soon finds out that the man was an arms dealer, leading Locke into dangerous situations. Aided by a beautiful woman, Locke attempts to avoid both the police and criminals out to get him.
The Passenger parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Passenger is a PG-13 1975 thriller about a journalist who assumes a dead stranger's identity as an arms dealer, leading to danger from criminals and police.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Involves danger from criminals and arms dealers, consistent with a thriller plot, though largely suspense-driven rather than graphic.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Passenger
If you liked The Passenger, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Bourne Identity (2002) — 84%
- The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927) — 80%
- Snowden (2016) — 79%
- Remember (2015) — 82%
- The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) — 86%
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) — 85%
- Salvador (1986) — 77%
- The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Jack Nicholson as David Locke
- Maria Schneider as Girl
- Jenny Runacre as Rachel Locke
- Ian Hendry as Martin Knight
- Steven Berkoff as Stephen
- Ambroise Mbia as Achebe
- José María Caffarel as Hotel Keeper (uncredited)
- James Campbell as Witch Doctor (uncredited)
- Manfred Spies as German Stranger (uncredited)
- Jean-Baptiste Tiémélé as Murderer (uncredited)
The Passenger FAQ
Is The Passenger good?
The Passenger has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 529 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Passenger?
In the US you can stream The Passenger on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and Tubi and buy it from Fandango At Home.
Is The Passenger OK for kids?
The Passenger is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Passenger is a PG-13 1975 thriller about a journalist who assumes a dead stranger's identity as an arms dealer, leading to danger from criminals and police.
What movies are like The Passenger?
If you liked The Passenger, try The Bourne Identity, The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog, Snowden and Remember.