21 (2008)
An earnest student enters a gritty, tense world of card counting to afford medical school.
Ben Campbell is a young, highly intelligent student at M.I.T. who strives to succeed. Wanting a scholarship to transfer to Harvard School of Medicine to become a doctor, Ben learns that he cannot afford the $300,000 tuition as he comes from a poor, working-class background. But one evening, Ben is introduced by his unorthodox math professor to a small but secretive club of five students, Jill, Choi, Kianna, and Fisher, who are being trained by Professor Rosa to count cards at blackjack.
How intense is 21?
21 has no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is brisk, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.
What 21 feels like
- Tone
- tensegrittysuspensefulearnest
- Pace
- Brisk
- Best for
- Full attention
- True story
- Yes, based on a book.
Where to stream 21
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is 21 for you?
Is 21 scary?
No. 21 is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is 21 gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is 21 sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is 21 OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is 21?
21 runs 2h 3m.
Where can I stream 21?
21 is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does 21 have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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