Red Dawn (2012)
Foreign paratroopers invade a Washington town, and young patriots launch a relentless, gritty fight for freedom.
A city in Washington state awakens to the surreal sight of foreign paratroopers dropping from the sky—shockingly, the U.S. has been invaded and their hometown is the initial target. Quickly and without warning, the citizens find themselves prisoners and their town under enemy occupation. Determined to fight back, a group of young patriots seek refuge in the surrounding woods, training and reorganizing themselves into a guerrilla group of fighters.
How intense is Red Dawn?
Red Dawn is mildly scary, with light gore and brutal violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is relentless, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.
What Red Dawn feels like
- Tone
- tensegrittysuspensefulepic
- Pace
- Relentless
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Red Dawn
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Red Dawn for you?
Is Red Dawn scary?
Only a little. Red Dawn has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is Red Dawn gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and brutal violence (3 of 3).
Is Red Dawn sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is Red Dawn 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 Red Dawn?
Red Dawn runs 1h 33m.
Where can I stream Red Dawn?
Red Dawn is streaming on YouTube (free).
Does Red Dawn have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves things open rather than tying them up.
Cast and crew
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