The Red Violin (1998)
Kernel Score: 84% · 445 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Music, Romance
Released: 1998-11-13
Runtime: 130 minutes
Where to watch The Red Violin
- Stream: Starz
- Free with ads: YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
300 years of a remarkable musical instrument. Crafted by the Italian master Bussotti (Cecchi) in 1681, the red violin has traveled through Austria, England, China, and Canada, leaving both beauty and tragedy in its wake. In Montreal, Samuel L Jackson plays an appraiser going over its complex history.
The Red Violin parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Red Violin is an R-rated drama-thriller spanning centuries, involving beauty and tragedy tied to a historic instrument.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The film's history includes tragic and dark events, per its R rating and thriller/mystery genres.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Red Violin
If you liked The Red Violin, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- A Heart in Winter (1992) — 82%
- Armour of God (1986) — 77%
- High Strung (2016) — 76%
- Lemonade Mouth (2011) — 83%
- Bed and Board (1970) — 79%
- Uncut Gems (2019) — 80%
- Red Rooms (2023) — 78%
- White Chicks (2004) — 78%
Director
François Girard
Cast
- Samuel L. Jackson as Charles Morritz (Montréal)
- Carlo Cecchi as Nicolo Bussotti (Cremona)
- Irene Grazioli as Anna Bussotti (Cremona)
- Anita Laurenzi as Cesca (Cremona)
- Tommaso Puntelli as Apprentice (Cremona)
- Aldo Brugnini as Assistant (Cremona)
- Samuele Amighetti as Boy (Cremona)
- Jean-Luc Bideau as Georges Poussin (Vienna)
- Christoph Koncz as Kaspar Weiss (Vienna)
- Clotilde Mollet as Antoinette Pussin (Vienna)
The Red Violin FAQ
Is The Red Violin good?
The Red Violin has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 445 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Red Violin?
In the US you can stream The Red Violin on Starz, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Red Violin OK for kids?
The Red Violin is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Red Violin is an R-rated drama-thriller spanning centuries, involving beauty and tragedy tied to a historic instrument.
What movies are like The Red Violin?
If you liked The Red Violin, try A Heart in Winter, Armour of God, High Strung and Lemonade Mouth.