The Deer Hunter (1978)
Three steelworker friends face the brutal realities of war, forever altering their bonds and their souls.
Three steelworkers enlist in the army and are sent to Vietnam, one leaving behind a rushed marriage, the others a shared love. What they encounter during the war changes their lives forever.
How intense is The Deer Hunter?
The Deer Hunter is mildly scary, with graphic gore and brutal violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What The Deer Hunter feels like
- Tone
- bleakgrittymelancholyintimateearnest
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Deer Hunter
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 14, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Deer Hunter for you?
Is The Deer Hunter scary?
Only a little. The Deer Hunter has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Deer Hunter gory or violent?
Graphic gore (2 of 3) and brutal violence (3 of 3). If graphic gore is a dealbreaker, skip it.
Is The Deer Hunter sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is The Deer Hunter 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 The Deer Hunter?
The Deer Hunter runs 3h 3m.
Where can I stream The Deer Hunter?
The Deer Hunter is streaming on Netflix.
Does The Deer Hunter have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
No. Brace yourself.
Cast and crew
More like The Deer Hunter
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Hacksaw Ridge (2016)Mildly scary · extreme gore · brutal violence · emotionally devastatingAn earnest medic in WWII refuses to kill, facing gritty combat and earning an epic honor.
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