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Independence Day poster

Independence Day (1996)

Film · 2h 25m · Rated PG-13
ActionAdventureSci-Fi

Global cities face relentless annihilation from an alien force, sparking an epic, suspenseful fight for survival.

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Strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived. Its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.

How intense is Independence Day?

Scaremildly scary
Gorelight gore
Violencebrutal violence
Emotional weightheavy

Independence Day is mildly scary, with light gore and brutal violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is relentless, and it is a full-attention watch and a party watch. Rated PG-13.

What Independence Day feels like

Tone
epicsuspensefulfeel good
Pace
Relentless
Best for
Full attentionParty

Where to stream Independence Day

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 Independence Day for you?

Is Independence Day scary?

Only a little. Independence Day has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.

Is Independence Day gory or violent?

Light gore (1 of 3) and brutal violence (3 of 3).

Is Independence Day sad or heavy?

It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.

Is Independence Day OK for kids?

It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 1, gore 1, violence 3, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.

How long is Independence Day?

Independence Day runs 2h 25m.

Where can I stream Independence Day?

Independence Day is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).

Does Independence Day have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer

Yes. It lands on a happy note.

Cast and crew

DirectorRoland Emmerich
StarringWill Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Robert Loggia

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This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Intensity, tone and pace tags are CouchRot's own.