War Dogs (2016)
Kernel Score: 76% · 5,377 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Released: 2016-08-18
Runtime: 114 minutes
Is War Dogs worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A fast, cocky true-story comedy about two young men who win a huge Pentagon arms contract. The leads are funny and the story is interesting, but it's lighter and less pointed than it could be.
Watch it if you
- like true-crime comedies
- enjoy rise-and-fall stories
- want an easy, slick watch
Skip it if you
- want a sharp war satire
- dislike swearing and macho humour
Best for: Easy night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch War Dogs
- Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Based on the true story of two young men, David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who won a $300 million contract from the Pentagon to arm America's allies in Afghanistan.
War Dogs parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that War Dogs is a crime-comedy-drama about illegal arms dealing, corruption, and drug use, based on a true story.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts the arms trade and war zones; includes references to danger and crime rather than direct combat violence.
- Language: Moderate — R-rated crime comedy typically includes frequent strong profanity.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Drug use is referenced as part of the characters' lifestyle and downfall.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like War Dogs
If you liked War Dogs, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) — 95%: Louder and wilder story of a get-rich scheme.
- American Gangster (2007) — 86%: Serious crime rise-and-fall story.
- The Hangover (2009) — 87%: Same director's comedy about a wild night.
- Scarface (1983) — 88%: Classic crime rise-and-fall tale.
- Matchstick Men (2003) — 79%: Con-artist comedy-drama.
Director
Cast
- Miles Teller as David Packouz
- Jonah Hill as Efraim Diveroli
- Ana de Armas as Iz
- Bradley Cooper as Henry Girard
- Kevin Pollak as Ralph Slutzky
- Patrick St. Esprit as Captain Phillip Santos
- Shaun Toub as Marlboro
- JB Blanc as Bashkim
- Gabriel Spahiu as Enver
- Julian Sergi as Rosen
War Dogs FAQ
Is War Dogs worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A fast, cocky true-story comedy about two young men who win a huge Pentagon arms contract. The leads are funny and the story is interesting, but it's lighter and less pointed than it could be.
Where can I watch War Dogs?
In the US you can rent it from Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is War Dogs OK for kids?
War Dogs is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that War Dogs is a crime-comedy-drama about illegal arms dealing, corruption, and drug use, based on a true story.
What movies are like War Dogs?
If you liked War Dogs, try The Wolf of Wall Street, American Gangster, The Hangover and Scarface.