Overview
A legendary general's fierce ambition and controversial tactics shape the course of history during World War II.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- forceful
- stern
- theatrical
- historical film night
- classic cinema viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an extraordinarily impressive World War II epic anchored by George C. Scott's unforgettable performance, while some found its historical portrait repetitive or dramatically inconclusive.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
George C. Scott's Patton is defined by flamboyant speeches, aggressive ambition, temper, and repeated insubordination.
Patton's tactical brilliance repeatedly conflicts with military hierarchy, affecting his appointments and authority.
The 172-minute 20th Century Fox production combines sweeping European battle scenes, tanks, uniforms, and large formations with an imposing epic format.
Patton's desire for battlefield prominence and independent action is continually measured against Bradley, Allied command, and political authority.
Films like Patton, and why
Lawrence of Arabia
epic biographical war drama centered on a charismatic, controversial military commander and distinguished by monumental production design
The Bridge on the River Kwai
historical war epic balancing battlefield spectacle with the psychological contradictions of a powerful commander
A Bridge Too Far
serious World War II drama emphasizing military strategy, leadership conflict, and large-scale combat operations
The Last Emperor
New Hollywood historical epic built around an intense, dominant central performance and morally complicated wartime leadership
Movie Details
- Director
- Franklin J. Schaffner
- Release Date
- 1970-01-25
- Runtime
- 172 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (1259)
Cast
- George C. Scott
- Karl Malden
- Stephen Young
- Michael Strong
- Carey Loftin
- Albert Dumortier
- Frank Latimore
- Morgan Paull
- Karl Michael Vogler
- Bill Hickman
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- 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 Patton about?
- A towering but volatile tank commander seeks battlefield glory while his genius, temper, and insubordination collide with the Allied military hierarchy.
- What is Patton like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Patton as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Patton violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Patton as moderate.
- What did critics think of Patton?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an extraordinarily impressive World War II epic anchored by George C. Scott's unforgettable performance, while some found its historical portrait repetitive or dramatically inconclusive.
- Which films are like Patton?
- Films with a similar feel include Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai, A Bridge Too Far, and The Last Emperor.
- How long is Patton?
- Patton runs 172 minutes.
- Where can I watch Patton?
- In United States, Patton streams on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
