Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Kernel Score: 79% · 4,809 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Thriller, Drama
Released: 2012-12-19
Runtime: 157 minutes
Is Zero Dark Thirty worth watching?
Worth watching. A cool, procedural account of the hunt for Osama bin Laden. It's long and clinical, but the final raid is tense and the film trusts you to follow the detail.
Watch it if you
- like procedural, fact-based thrillers
- can handle a slow build to a payoff
- want a film about how intelligence work really grinds
Skip it if you
- want a character-driven drama with warm people
- dislike scenes of torture and a 157-minute runtime
Best for: Serious solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Zero Dark Thirty
- Stream: Netflix, Paramount+
- 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 decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May, 2011.
Zero Dark Thirty parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Zero Dark Thirty is an intense war-on-terror drama depicting torture, terrorism, and a raid resulting in a killing, with strong language.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes depictions of torture of prisoners, terrorist bombings, gunfights, and a lethal raid.
- Language: Moderate — Strong profanity including the f-word is used, per keyword tags.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Zero Dark Thirty
If you liked Zero Dark Thirty, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- United 93 (2006) — 81%: Same real-events, no-frills approach to a hard subject
- The Hurt Locker (2008) — 81%: Same director, with a tenser, more personal war story
- Munich (2005) — 80%: Another grim look at the cost of counter-terrorism
- The Report (2019) — 78%: Dry, detailed look at the CIA after 9/11
- Lone Survivor (2013) — 85%: Real military operation told with raw, direct force
- Detroit (2017) — 83%: Intense, fact-based drama with unflinching violence
Director
Cast
- Jessica Chastain as Maya
- Jason Clarke as Dan
- Kyle Chandler as Joseph Bradley
- Jennifer Ehle as Jessica
- Mark Strong as George
- Joel Edgerton as Patrick - Squadron Team Leader
- Chris Pratt as Justin - DEVGRU
- Edgar Ramírez as Larry from Ground Branch
- Mark Duplass as Steve
- Scott Adkins as John
Zero Dark Thirty FAQ
Is Zero Dark Thirty worth watching?
Worth watching. A cool, procedural account of the hunt for Osama bin Laden. It's long and clinical, but the final raid is tense and the film trusts you to follow the detail.
Where can I watch Zero Dark Thirty?
In the US you can stream Zero Dark Thirty on Netflix and Paramount+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Zero Dark Thirty OK for kids?
Zero Dark Thirty is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Zero Dark Thirty is an intense war-on-terror drama depicting torture, terrorism, and a raid resulting in a killing, with strong language.
What movies are like Zero Dark Thirty?
If you liked Zero Dark Thirty, try United 93, The Hurt Locker, Munich and The Report.