The Mule (2018)
An octogenarian's earnest drive for money turns gritty and melancholy as he hauls drugs for a cartel.
Earl Stone, a man in his eighties, is broke, alone, and facing foreclosure of his business when he is offered a job that simply requires him to drive. Easy enough, but, unbeknownst to Earl, he's just signed on as a drug courier for a Mexican cartel. He does so well that his cargo increases exponentially, and Earl hit the radar of hard-charging DEA agent Colin Bates.
How intense is The Mule?
The Mule has light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What The Mule feels like
- Tone
- grittyearnestmelancholypulpy
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
- True story
- Yes, based on true events.
Where to stream The Mule
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 The Mule for you?
Is The Mule scary?
No. The Mule is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is The Mule gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Mule sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Mule OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is The Mule?
The Mule runs 1h 56m.
Where can I stream The Mule?
The Mule is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does The Mule 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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