The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
Kernel Score: 85% · 3,285 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, History
Released: 2020-09-25
Runtime: 130 minutes
Is The Trial of the Chicago 7 worth watching?
Must-watch. Aaron Sorkin turns the 1969 conspiracy trial of anti-war protesters into a fast, funny and angry courtroom drama with a strong ensemble cast. It takes liberties with the facts, but it's clear, well paced and still relevant.
Watch it if you
- like sharp courtroom drama
- enjoy Sorkin's fast, witty dialogue
- care about protest and political history
Skip it if you
- want strict historical accuracy
- dislike talky, issue-driven films
Best for: Smart night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Trial of the Chicago 7
- Stream: Netflix
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
What was supposed to be a peaceful protest turned into a violent clash with the police. What followed was one of the most notorious trials in history.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that The Trial of the Chicago 7 is an R-rated historical courtroom drama about activists tried after a protest turned violent in 1968.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — The film depicts a peaceful protest turning into a violent clash with police, plus courtroom conflict.
- Language: Moderate — As an R-rated legal drama with politically charged confrontations, strong language is expected throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Trial of the Chicago 7
If you liked The Trial of the Chicago 7, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Social Network (2010) — 88%: Another fast-talking Sorkin drama about ambition and betrayal
- Molly's Game (2017) — 81%: More Sorkin: a true story told at speed with plenty of talk
- Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) — 87%: Classic courtroom drama about justice and history
- Detroit (2017) — 83%: Tense drama about injustice and a real historical event
- Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) — 81%: Political drama about a movement and an informant
- The Hate U Give (2018) — 89%: Powerful drama about activism and race
Director
Cast
- Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden
- Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman
- Mark Rylance as William Kunstler
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Richard Schultz
- Frank Langella as Judge Julius Hoffman
- Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin
- John Carroll Lynch as David Dellinger
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale
- Alex Sharp as Rennie Davis
- Noah Robbins as Lee Weiner
The Trial of the Chicago 7 FAQ
Is The Trial of the Chicago 7 worth watching?
Must-watch. Aaron Sorkin turns the 1969 conspiracy trial of anti-war protesters into a fast, funny and angry courtroom drama with a strong ensemble cast. It takes liberties with the facts, but it's clear, well paced and still relevant.
Where can I watch The Trial of the Chicago 7?
In the US you can stream The Trial of the Chicago 7 on Netflix.
Is The Trial of the Chicago 7 OK for kids?
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that The Trial of the Chicago 7 is an R-rated historical courtroom drama about activists tried after a protest turned violent in 1968.
What movies are like The Trial of the Chicago 7?
If you liked The Trial of the Chicago 7, try The Social Network, Molly's Game, Judgment at Nuremberg and Detroit.