Overview
A gripping portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history, where bravery and sacrifice collide on the battlefield.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Slow
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- reverent
- grave
- reflective
- history viewing
- war film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the committed cast, authentic locations, reenacted battles, and reverent historical approach, while acknowledging the film's exceptional length and occasional ideological concerns.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film uses authentic Gettysburg locations, Civil War reenactors, recognizable historical commanders, and a commitment to historical accuracy.
The story moves among Chamberlain, Longstreet, Lee, Buford, Pickett, and individual fighting men on both Union and Confederate sides.
The three-day Battle of Gettysburg is presented as a decisive turning point, with Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge as climactic engagements.
Thousands of Civil War reenactors march and fight across the exact ground associated with the historical battle.
Films like Gettysburg, and why
Glory
historical war drama centered on a pivotal American conflict, combining battlefield spectacle with commanding officers' personal perspectives
Tora! Tora! Tora!
reverent large-scale war epic balancing military strategy, sacrifice, and intimate soldier experiences
The Longest Day
ensemble historical battle drama emphasizing leadership, tactical decisions, and the human cost of armed conflict
Waterloo
expansive literary war drama with extended combat sequences and attention to individual commanders
Movie Details
- Director
- Ronald F. Maxwell
- Release Date
- 1993-10-08
- Runtime
- 254 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (343)
Cast
- Jeff Daniels
- Tom Berenger
- Martin Sheen
- Sam Elliott
- Stephen Lang
- C. Thomas Howell
- Richard Anderson
- Richard Jordan
- Kevin Conway
- Andrew Prine
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Gettysburg about?
- A solemn, expansive Civil War epic portrays the Battle of Gettysburg through the leaders and soldiers whose decisions transformed a three-day clash into a national turning point.
- What is Gettysburg like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Gettysburg as slow, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Gettysburg violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Gettysburg as moderate.
- What did critics think of Gettysburg?
- Critics broadly praised the committed cast, authentic locations, reenacted battles, and reverent historical approach, while acknowledging the film's exceptional length and occasional ideological concerns.
- Which films are like Gettysburg?
- Films with a similar feel include Glory, Tora! Tora! Tora!, The Longest Day, and Waterloo.
- How long is Gettysburg?
- Gettysburg runs 254 minutes.
- Where can I watch Gettysburg?
- In United States, Gettysburg is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
