The Patriot (2000)
Kernel Score: 81% · 4,229 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, History, War, Action
Released: 2000-06-28
Runtime: 165 minutes
Is The Patriot worth watching?
Worth watching. A reluctant farmer is dragged into the American Revolution by a family tragedy. It's long and conventional, but the battle scenes are well staged and the lead is strong, though history is bent to fit the drama.
Watch it if you
- like big historical battle films
- enjoy revenge-driven epics
- want a long, old-fashioned war film
Skip it if you
- want historical accuracy
- dislike violence or length
Best for: Big weekend movie
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Patriot
- Stream: Paramount+, YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After proving himself on the field of battle in the French and Indian War, Benjamin Martin wants nothing more to do with such things, preferring the simple life of a farmer. But when his son Gabriel enlists in the army to defend their new nation, America, against the British, Benjamin reluctantly returns to his old life to protect his son.
The Patriot parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Patriot is an R-rated Revolutionary War film with intense battle violence.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic war violence including gore and sword fighting depicts the brutality of the American Revolution.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Patriot
If you liked The Patriot, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Braveheart (1995) — 95%: Historical epic about a man avenging his family.
- The Last of the Mohicans (1992) — 83%: Sweeping frontier war story.
- Glory (1989) — 86%: Serious Civil War drama.
- The Last Samurai (2003) — 85%: Epic about a soldier finding purpose.
- The Woman King (2022) — 86%: Epic action drama.
- Kingdom of Heaven (2005) — 77%: Epic medieval war drama.
Director
Cast
- Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin
- Heath Ledger as Gabriel Martin
- Joely Richardson as Charlotte Selton
- Jason Isaacs as Col. William Tavington
- Chris Cooper as Col. Harry Burwell
- Tchéky Karyo as Jean Villeneuve
- René Auberjonois as Reverend Oliver
- Lisa Brenner as Anne Howard
- Tom Wilkinson as Gen. Cornwallis
- Donal Logue as Dan Scott
The Patriot FAQ
Is The Patriot worth watching?
Worth watching. A reluctant farmer is dragged into the American Revolution by a family tragedy. It's long and conventional, but the battle scenes are well staged and the lead is strong, though history is bent to fit the drama.
Where can I watch The Patriot?
In the US you can stream The Patriot on Paramount+ and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Patriot OK for kids?
The Patriot is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Patriot is an R-rated Revolutionary War film with intense battle violence.
What movies are like The Patriot?
If you liked The Patriot, try Braveheart, The Last of the Mohicans, Glory and The Last Samurai.