The Thin Red Line (1998)
Kernel Score: 85% · 3,231 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, History, War
Released: 1998-12-23
Runtime: 171 minutes
Is The Thin Red Line worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Terrence Malick's World War II film follows soldiers on Guadalcanal, with dreamy voice-overs and gorgeous nature photography. It's thoughtful and powerful, but long, slow and philosophical, so it's not a typical war movie.
Watch it if you
- want a poetic, reflective war film
- admire Malick's visual style
- like large ensemble casts
Skip it if you
- want action-driven war storytelling
- dislike voice-over and slow pacing
Best for: Reflective night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Thin Red Line
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived.
The Thin Red Line parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Thin Red Line is an intense R-rated World War II war film depicting brutal combat.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic depictions of WWII jungle combat, battle deaths, and warfare's toll on soldiers.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Thin Red Line
If you liked The Thin Red Line, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Days of Heaven (1978) — 84%: Malick's earlier, beautifully shot drama
- Badlands (1974) — 84%: Malick's debut, a lyrical outlaw story
- A Hidden Life (2019) — 82%: Malick's later, quiet drama about conscience in wartime
- Platoon (1986) — 87%: Tough, human Vietnam film
- Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) — 85%: Quiet, humane war film from the other side
- Full Metal Jacket (1987) — 90%: Kubrick's cold, disturbing war film
Director
Cast
- Jim Caviezel as Pvt. Robert Witt
- Nick Nolte as Lt. Col. Gordon Tall
- Sean Penn as 1st Sgt. Edward Welsh
- Ben Chaplin as Pvt. Jack Bell
- Elias Koteas as Capt. James Staros
- John Cusack as Capt. John Gaff
- Dash Mihok as Pfc. Don Doll
- John C. Reilly as Sgt. Maynard Storm
- Woody Harrelson as Sgt. William Keck
- Miranda Otto as Marty Bell
The Thin Red Line FAQ
Is The Thin Red Line worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Terrence Malick's World War II film follows soldiers on Guadalcanal, with dreamy voice-overs and gorgeous nature photography. It's thoughtful and powerful, but long, slow and philosophical, so it's not a typical war movie.
Where can I watch The Thin Red Line?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Thin Red Line OK for kids?
The Thin Red Line is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Thin Red Line is an intense R-rated World War II war film depicting brutal combat.
What movies are like The Thin Red Line?
If you liked The Thin Red Line, try Days of Heaven, Badlands, A Hidden Life and Platoon.