The Sound of Music (1965)

Kernel Score: 86% · 3,567 ratings · Rated G

Genres: Drama, Family, Music, Romance

Released: 1965-03-29

Runtime: 175 minutes

Is The Sound of Music worth watching?

Must-watch. A young nun becomes governess to seven children in pre-war Austria and fills the house with music. It's long, but the songs are among the best-known in film, and it stays warm and sincere.

Watch it if you

  • love classic movie musicals
  • want a family film everyone can sit through
  • like songs and scenery

Skip it if you

  • dislike sentimentality
  • won't sit through nearly three hours

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Sound of Music

  • Stream: Disney+
  • 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

In the years before World War II, a tomboyish postulant at an Austrian abbey is hired as a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain with seven children and brings a new love of life and music into the home.

The Sound of Music parents' guide: all ages

Parents need to know that this classic family musical includes wartime tension but is otherwise wholesome.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Background wartime tension involving Nazi occupation, without graphic violence.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Sound of Music

If you liked The Sound of Music, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • West Side Story (1961) — 81%: Another landmark 1960s musical with timeless songs.
  • Dirty Dancing (1987) — 83%: Musical romance full of dance and emotion.
  • CODA (2021) — 90%: Heartwarming story where music brings a family closer.
  • Moulin Rouge! (2001) — 86%: A grand, dazzling musical for romantics.
  • Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Music-led coming-of-age story full of heart.
  • Before Sunrise (1995) — 89%: Romantic and gentle story of two people in Austria.

Director

Robert Wise

Cast

  • Julie Andrews as Maria
  • Christopher Plummer as Captain Georg von Trapp
  • Eleanor Parker as The Baroness
  • Charmian Carr as Liesl von Trapp
  • Nicholas Hammond as Friedrich von Trapp
  • Heather Menzies as Louisa von Trapp
  • Angela Cartwright as Brigitta von Trapp
  • Debbie Turner as Marta von Trapp
  • Kym Karath as Gretl von Trapp
  • Duane Chase as Kurt von Trapp

The Sound of Music FAQ

Is The Sound of Music worth watching?

Must-watch. A young nun becomes governess to seven children in pre-war Austria and fills the house with music. It's long, but the songs are among the best-known in film, and it stays warm and sincere.

Where can I watch The Sound of Music?

In the US you can stream The Sound of Music on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Is The Sound of Music OK for kids?

The Sound of Music is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that this classic family musical includes wartime tension but is otherwise wholesome.

What movies are like The Sound of Music?

If you liked The Sound of Music, try West Side Story, Dirty Dancing, CODA and Moulin Rouge!.