True Lies (1994)
Kernel Score: 79% · 4,471 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller
Released: 1994-07-15
Runtime: 141 minutes
Is True Lies worth watching?
Worth watching. A spy action film that's half marriage comedy: a secret agent's double life is exposed when his wife looks for excitement. The stunts are huge and it's very funny in places, though some jokes have dated.
Watch it if you
- want big, loud 90s action
- like action mixed with jokes
- enjoy movie-star charisma
Skip it if you
- dislike dated humour and stereotypes
- want something shorter and tighter
Best for: Popcorn movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch True Lies
- Stream: Hulu
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A fearless, globe-trotting, terrorist-battling secret agent has his life turned upside down when he discovers his wife might be having an affair with a used car salesman while terrorists smuggle nuclear war heads into the United States.
True Lies parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated action film has intense gunplay, terrorism plots, and marital infidelity suspicion.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Frequent gunfights, kidnapping, and a terrorist nuclear plot drive the action.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — A subplot involves suspected marital infidelity with some suggestive scenes.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like True Lies
If you liked True Lies, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Die Hard (1988) — 87%: Classic action hit that mixes tension with wit.
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) — 95%: Same director's best action film, with real heart.
- Face/Off (1997) — 80%: Over-the-top 90s action with big performances.
- Aliens (1986) — 94%: Same director's tense, hugely entertaining sequel.
- Nobody (2021) — 89%: Action comedy about a mild man with a hidden past.
- Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (2025) — 81%: Modern spy spectacle with huge stunts.
Director
Cast
- Arnold Schwarzenegger as Harry Tasker
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Helen Tasker
- Tom Arnold as Albert Gibson
- Bill Paxton as Simon
- Tia Carrere as Juno Skinner
- Art Malik as Salim Abu Aziz
- Eliza Dushku as Dana Tasker
- Grant Heslov as Faisil
- Charlton Heston as Spencer Trilby
- Marshall Manesh as Jamal Khaled
True Lies FAQ
Is True Lies worth watching?
Worth watching. A spy action film that's half marriage comedy: a secret agent's double life is exposed when his wife looks for excitement. The stunts are huge and it's very funny in places, though some jokes have dated.
Where can I watch True Lies?
In the US you can stream True Lies on Hulu and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is True Lies OK for kids?
True Lies is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated action film has intense gunplay, terrorism plots, and marital infidelity suspicion.
What movies are like True Lies?
If you liked True Lies, try Die Hard, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Face/Off and Aliens.