The Warriors (1979)
Kernel Score: 87% · 2,324 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller
Released: 1979-02-01
Runtime: 94 minutes
Is The Warriors worth watching?
Must-watch. A gang is framed for a murder and has to fight across New York overnight to get home. It's lean, stylish and fast at 94 minutes, and the cult status is deserved.
Watch it if you
- like lean, stylish action
- enjoy 70s New York grit
- want a short, propulsive cult classic
Skip it if you
- dislike gang violence
- want realistic characters
Best for: Late-night action
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Warriors
- Stream: Netflix
- Free with ads: Tubi
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Prominent gang leader Cyrus calls a meeting of New York's gangs to set aside their turf wars and take over the city. At the meeting, a rival leader kills Cyrus, but a Coney Island gang called the Warriors is wrongly blamed for Cyrus' death. Before you know it, the cops and every gangbanger in town is hot on the Warriors' trail.
The Warriors parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Warriors depicts gang violence and street fighting throughout.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Frequent gang violence, weapons, and a murder set off a citywide pursuit involving armed rival gangs.
- Language: Moderate — Rough street 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 Warriors
If you liked The Warriors, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) — 82%: Lean 70s siege thriller with a cult following.
- The Driver (1978) — 80%: Stripped-down, cool 70s crime film.
- City of God (2002) — 92%: Tough, kinetic story of street gangs.
- Carlito's Way (1993) — 87%: Gritty urban crime drama with an outlaw's code.
- End of Watch (2012) — 83%: Street-level tension with a gritty, urban feel.
- John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019) — 82%: Stylish modern action with a similar run-and-fight energy.
Director
Cast
- Michael Beck as Swan
- James Remar as Ajax
- David Patrick Kelly as Luther
- Dorsey Wright as Cleon
- David Harris as Cochise
- Deborah Van Valkenburgh as Mercy
- Brian Tyler as Snow
- Tom McKitterick as Cowboy
- Marcelino Sánchez as Rembrandt
- Roger Hill as Cyrus
The Warriors FAQ
Is The Warriors worth watching?
Must-watch. A gang is framed for a murder and has to fight across New York overnight to get home. It's lean, stylish and fast at 94 minutes, and the cult status is deserved.
Where can I watch The Warriors?
In the US you can stream The Warriors on Netflix, watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is The Warriors OK for kids?
The Warriors is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Warriors depicts gang violence and street fighting throughout.
What movies are like The Warriors?
If you liked The Warriors, try Assault on Precinct 13, The Driver, City of God and Carlito's Way.