Midnight Express (1978)
An American's desperate fight for freedom unfolds in a brutal foreign prison, relentlessly bleak and suspenseful.
Billy Hayes is caught attempting to smuggle drugs out of a country. The courts decide to make an example of him, sentencing him to more than 30 years in prison. Hayes has two opportunities for release: the appeals made by his lawyer, his family, and the American government, or the "Midnight Express".
How intense is Midnight Express?
Midnight Express is mildly scary, with graphic gore and brutal violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is relentless, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Midnight Express feels like
- Tone
- grittybleaksuspenseful
- Pace
- Relentless
- Best for
- Full attention
- True story
- Yes, based on a book.
Where to stream Midnight Express
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Midnight Express for you?
Is Midnight Express scary?
Only a little. Midnight Express has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is Midnight Express gory or violent?
Graphic gore (2 of 3) and brutal violence (3 of 3). If graphic gore is a dealbreaker, skip it.
Is Midnight Express sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Midnight Express OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 2, violence 3, each out of 3.
How long is Midnight Express?
Midnight Express runs 2h 1m.
Where can I stream Midnight Express?
Midnight Express is streaming on The Roku Channel.
Does Midnight Express have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
No. Brace yourself.
Cast and crew
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