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Gandhi

Gandhi

His triumph changed the world forever.

1982191 minPGMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Richard Attenborough
Starring
Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud

In the early years of the 20th century, Mohandas K. Gandhi, a British-trained lawyer, forsakes all worldly possessions to take up the cause of Indian independence. Faced with armed resistance from the British government, Gandhi adopts a policy of 'passive resistance', endeavouring to win freedom for his people without resorting to bloodshed.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Gandhi?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Gandhi on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Gandhi?

Gandhi earns 12 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Oscar Winner.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Gandhi worth watching?

Gandhi's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 339K ratings across 6 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

95th percentile among Biography97th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)94th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

78 /100

94th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Biography96th percentile among 1980s

Critics 79 · Audience 77

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

88% liked it

97th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Biography98th percentile among 1980s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Critics 89% · Audience 92%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

8 Oscars won · 3 Oscar noms · 33 wins / 23 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Actor in a Leading Role
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Art Direction-Set Decoration

96th percentile

339K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Biography96th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$22M
Opening weekend$131K
Domestic gross$53M
Worldwide gross$53M

Returned 2.4× its budget — 89th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It's a reverent, large-scale epic biography of a monumental historical figure.

Fans praised

  • Ben Kingsley's transformative, deeply humane performance embodies Gandhi's spirit
  • Epic scale with breathtaking crowd scenes and stunning location cinematography
  • Powerful, inspiring message of nonviolent resistance and human dignity

Detractors panned

  • Hagiographic portrait omits Gandhi's flaws and historical complexities
  • Slow, plodding pacing makes the three-hour runtime feel tedious
  • Simplistic, whitewashed depiction of British-Indian relations and Indian politics

What stands out

ActingDivisive95

Kingsley's Oscar-winning performance transforms into Gandhi; supporting cast solid

Cinematography85

Beautiful sweeping landscapes and grand crowd compositions in Lean tradition

Effects and spectacleDivisive80

Impressive pre-CGI crowd scenes with hundreds of thousands of real extras

Atmosphere80

Immersive period detail and sense of place; India feels like a character

Emotional impactDivisive75

Inspiring and moving to many fans; detractors find it manipulative and shallow

Plot and storyDivisive55

Clipped 'greatest hits' structure covers decades but feels disjointed and rushed

Characters40

Gandhi idealized to near-saintliness; supporting figures thinly drawn, especially family

Pacing35

Leisurely to the point of tedium; loses momentum in second half

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 10 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Gandhi like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you fired up. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
ContemplativeTriumphantMelancholic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneAttenborough plays the material absolutely straight — a reverent, sincere epic that never undercuts or winks at its subject.
The rideThe mood is sustained between reflective moments and peaks of historical triumph, with an underlying weight of sacrifice.
StructureAfter opening with Gandhi's assassination and state funeral, the film presents his life chronologically from 1893 to 1948 in a conventional epic three-act arc.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Fired up.

The answer rests on this: Rousing · 10% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film inspires admiration for one man's principled, non-violent triumph, even as it is tempered by the tragedy of partition and his assassination.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA five-decade chronicle in which Gandhi's non-violent resistance is arrayed against the oppressive British colonial state; the fit is loose because the film is a reverent historical biography rather than a plotted genre narrative.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsPurpose · 9% of filmsFaith · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Gandhi's lifelong pursuit of justice through nonviolent resistance, driven by a deep sense of purpose and spiritual conviction.
StanceThe film presents Gandhi's life and methods as heroic and transformative, celebrating his impact on society.

The world

Early 20th centuryInstitutionalUrbanRuralRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
SettingIndia during the struggle for independence, spanning early 20th century to 1948

Content guide

Is Gandhi okay for kids?

PG

Gandhi is rated PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (64/100), sexual content at minimal (10/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (13/100) and frightening material at moderate (57/100). Overall it is heavier than 87% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium16
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Greece12
  • IndiaU
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden11
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 37% of all filmsHeavier than 87% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 94%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 14%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 64%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 85%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Gandhi have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Gandhi?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Ben Kingsley won the Oscar for this film.

Ben Kingsley
as Mahatma Gandhi
Oscar win: Academy Award — Best Actor in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Candice Bergen
as Margaret Bourke-White
BAFTA nominee: BAFTA Award nomination — Best Supporting ActressTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Edward Fox
as General Dyer
John Gielgud
as Lord Irwin
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Trevor Howard
as Judge Broomfield
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
John Mills
as The Viceroy
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Rohini Hattangadi
as Kasturba Gandhi
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Martin Sheen
as Walker
Ian Charleson
as Charlie Andrews
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Harsh Nayyar
as Nathuram Godse
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Gandhi?

Movies like Gandhi include Lion of the Desert (1980), Cry Freedom (1987) and The Message (1976). Of the 12 closest matches, most are biopics, and several are films set during World War II.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its subject: justice. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Gandhi?

560 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: politician. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.