Witness (1985)
Kernel Score: 81% · 1,847 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1985-02-08
Runtime: 112 minutes
Where to watch Witness
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
While protecting an Amish boy – the sole witness to a brutal murder – and his mother, a detective is forced to seek refuge within their community when his own life comes under threat.
Witness parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Witness is an R-rated crime thriller involving police corruption, murder, and violence witnessed by a child.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — R-rated thriller featuring police corruption, a murder witnessed by a child, and violent confrontations.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Witness
If you liked Witness, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Prisoners (2013) — 88%
- A History of Violence (2005) — 80%
- Memories of Murder (2003) — 89%
- The Boondock Saints (1999) — 81%
- In Cold Blood (1967) — 84%
- Diaz - Don't Clean Up This Blood (2012) — 79%
- Cria! (1976) — 85%
- An Elephant Sitting Still (2018) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Harrison Ford as John Book
- Kelly McGillis as Rachel
- Josef Sommer as Schaeffer
- Lukas Haas as Samuel
- Jan Rubeš as Eli Lapp
- Alexander Godunov as Daniel Hochleitner
- Danny Glover as McFee
- Brent Jennings as Carter
- Patti LuPone as Elaine
- Angus MacInnes as Fergie
Witness FAQ
Is Witness good?
Witness has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,847 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Witness?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Witness OK for kids?
Witness is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Witness is an R-rated crime thriller involving police corruption, murder, and violence witnessed by a child.
What movies are like Witness?
If you liked Witness, try Prisoners, A History of Violence, Memories of Murder and The Boondock Saints.