War Horse (2011)
Kernel Score: 82% · 3,620 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: War, History, Adventure
Released: 2011-12-25
Runtime: 146 minutes
Is War Horse worth watching?
Worth watching. Spielberg's First World War story follows one horse through trenches and farms, and it is beautifully shot and sincere. It leans sentimental, but if you are open to that, it lands emotionally.
Watch it if you
- like old-fashioned, big-hearted Spielberg films
- enjoy sweeping period war stories
- want a family-friendly war drama
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimental storytelling
- want a gritty, realistic war film
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch War Horse
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
On the brink of the First World War, Albert's beloved horse Joey is sold to the Cavalry by his father. Against the backdrop of the Great War, Joey begins an odyssey full of danger, joy, and sorrow, and he transforms everyone he meets along the way. Meanwhile, Albert, unable to forget his equine friend, searches the battlefields of France to find Joey and bring him home.
War Horse parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that War Horse is a PG-13 Spielberg war drama depicting World War I hardship, including battlefield violence and a boy's search for his horse.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — PG-13 WWI drama includes battlefield combat, an execution, and depictions of wartime hardship and loss.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — A supporting character is depicted as alcoholic.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like War Horse
If you liked War Horse, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Saving Private Ryan (1998) — 95%: Spielberg's harder-edged take on war, with human stakes front and center.
- 1917 (2019) — 92%: First World War told through a single, vivid journey.
- Lawrence of Arabia (1962) — 87%: Epic, beautifully shot war adventure with a horse-and-desert sweep.
- Schindler's List (1993) — 97%: Spielberg at his most serious on a war-time subject.
- Kingdom of Heaven (2005) — 77%: Large-scale historical drama with strong emotion.
- The Guns of Navarone (1961) — 81%: Classic old-school war adventure on a grand scale.
Director
Cast
- Jeremy Irvine as Albert Narracott
- Peter Mullan as Ted Narracott
- Emily Watson as Rose Narracott
- Niels Arestrup as Grandfather
- David Thewlis as Lyons
- Tom Hiddleston as Capt. James Nicholls
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Maj. Jamie Stewart
- Celine Buckens as Emilie
- Toby Kebbell as Geordie Soldier
- Patrick Kennedy as Lt. Charlie Waverly
War Horse FAQ
Is War Horse worth watching?
Worth watching. Spielberg's First World War story follows one horse through trenches and farms, and it is beautifully shot and sincere. It leans sentimental, but if you are open to that, it lands emotionally.
Where can I watch War Horse?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is War Horse OK for kids?
War Horse is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that War Horse is a PG-13 Spielberg war drama depicting World War I hardship, including battlefield violence and a boy's search for his horse.
What movies are like War Horse?
If you liked War Horse, try Saving Private Ryan, 1917, Lawrence of Arabia and Schindler's List.