The Untouchables (1987)
Kernel Score: 87% · 6,078 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, History, Thriller
Released: 1987-06-03
Runtime: 119 minutes
Is The Untouchables worth watching?
Worth watching. An honest agent builds a small team to take down Al Capone in 1930s Chicago. It's a stylish, well-acted crime film with a famous staircase scene and a great turn from Sean Connery, though it's more cinematic than realistic.
Watch it if you
- like classic gangster films
- enjoy stylish Brian De Palma set pieces
- want clear heroes and villains
Skip it if you
- want a gritty, morally grey crime story
- dislike violence
Best for: Classic crime night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Untouchables
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Pluto TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Elliot Ness, an ambitious prohibition agent, is determined to take down Al Capone. In order to achieve this goal, he forms a group given the nickname “The Untouchables”.
The Untouchables parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Untouchables is an R-rated crime thriller about lawman Eliot Ness's fight to bring down gangster Al Capone during Prohibition.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes gangster violence, shootouts, and intense confrontations typical of a Prohibition-era crime thriller.
- Language: Some — Contains some strong language consistent with its R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Untouchables
If you liked The Untouchables, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Carlito's Way (1993) — 87%: De Palma's other gangster film with a strong lead
- Scarface (1983) — 88%: De Palma's violent, bold crime epic
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%: Epic gangster saga across decades
- Miller's Crossing (1990) — 85%: Stylish, richly detailed Prohibition-era crime drama
- Donnie Brasco (1997) — 84%: Law versus mob in a gripping true-based story
- The Departed (2006) — 96%: Gripping cops and gangsters thriller
Director
Cast
- Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness
- Sean Connery as Jim Malone
- Robert De Niro as Al Capone
- Charles Martin Smith as Oscar Wallace
- Andy Garcia as George Stone
- Richard Bradford as Mike
- Jack Kehoe as Payne
- Brad Sullivan as George
- Billy Drago as Nitti
- Patricia Clarkson as Catherine Ness
The Untouchables FAQ
Is The Untouchables worth watching?
Worth watching. An honest agent builds a small team to take down Al Capone in 1930s Chicago. It's a stylish, well-acted crime film with a famous staircase scene and a great turn from Sean Connery, though it's more cinematic than realistic.
Where can I watch The Untouchables?
In the US you can stream The Untouchables on Fubo and Paramount+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Pluto TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Untouchables OK for kids?
The Untouchables is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Untouchables is an R-rated crime thriller about lawman Eliot Ness's fight to bring down gangster Al Capone during Prohibition.
What movies are like The Untouchables?
If you liked The Untouchables, try Carlito's Way, Scarface, Once Upon a Time in America and Miller's Crossing.