Unbroken (2014)
Kernel Score: 83% · 4,326 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, War
Released: 2014-12-25
Runtime: 137 minutes
Is Unbroken worth watching?
Worth watching. The true story of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, shot down in WWII and held in a Japanese prison camp. It's inspiring and well made, but the suffering is relentless and the film is more reverent than revealing.
Watch it if you
- like true survival stories
- want a serious war drama
- admire stories of resilience
Skip it if you
- dislike brutality on screen
- want depth over inspiration
Best for: Serious drama night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Unbroken
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A chronicle of the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II.
Unbroken parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Unbroken depicts real wartime atrocities and POW abuse based on a true story.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts POW torture and wartime atrocities against Louis Zamperini, described by reviewers as horrific.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Unbroken
If you liked Unbroken, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Hacksaw Ridge (2016) — 92%: True story of faith and courage under fire.
- The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) — 89%: Classic about prisoners of war under Japanese guards.
- Empire of the Sun (1987) — 85%: A boy's wartime ordeal under Japanese occupation.
- Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) — 85%: The Japanese view of the Pacific war.
- Lone Survivor (2013) — 85%: True story of survival against the odds.
- Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) — 82%: Drama about prisoners of war under Japanese guards.
Director
Cast
- Jack O'Connell as Louis Zamperini
- Alex Russell as Pete Zamperini
- Domhnall Gleeson as Russel Allen 'Phil' Phillips
- Garrett Hedlund as John Fitzgerald
- MIYAVI as Mutsuhiro 'The Bird' Watanabe
- Finn Wittrock as Francis 'Mac' McNamara
- Jai Courtney as Hugh 'Cup' Cuppernell
- Maddalena Ischiale as Louise Zamperini
- Vincenzo Amato as Anthony Zamperini
- Sophie Dalah as Virginia
Unbroken FAQ
Is Unbroken worth watching?
Worth watching. The true story of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, shot down in WWII and held in a Japanese prison camp. It's inspiring and well made, but the suffering is relentless and the film is more reverent than revealing.
Where can I watch Unbroken?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Unbroken OK for kids?
Unbroken is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Unbroken depicts real wartime atrocities and POW abuse based on a true story.
What movies are like Unbroken?
If you liked Unbroken, try Hacksaw Ridge, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Empire of the Sun and Letters from Iwo Jima.