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MTDb › Best of › 1957 › The Bridge on the River Kwai

The Bridge on the River Kwai poster

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

“It spans a whole new world of entertainment!”

7.8/10 · 2,457 votes 2h 42m pg DramaHistoryWar

#8 of 13 films from 1957 #399 of 3759 in drama

Directed by David Lean · Written by Carl Foreman, Pierre Boulle, Michael Wilson

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

The classic story of English POWs in Burma forced to build a bridge to aid the war effort of their Japanese captors. British and American intelligence officers conspire to blow up the structure, but Col. Nicholson, the commander who supervised the bridge's construction, has acquired a sense of pride in his creation and tries to foil their plans.

Cast

William Holdenas Cmdr. Shears
Alec Guinnessas Col. Nicholson
Jack Hawkinsas Maj. Warden
Sessue Hayakawaas Col. Saito
James Donaldas Maj. Clipton
Geoffrey Horneas Lt. Joyce
André Morellas Col. Green
Peter Williamsas Capt. Reeves
John Boxeras Major Hughes
Percy Herbertas Grogan
Harold Goodwinas Baker
Ann Searsas Nurse
Heihachirō Ōkawaas Captain Kanematsu
Vilaiwan Seeboonreaungas Siamese Girl

Facts

Release dateOctober 11, 1957
Runtime162 min (2h 42m) — longer as the 1957 average of 103 min
GenresDrama, History, War
LanguageEN
Budget$2,800,000
Box office$44,908,000 (16.0× budget)
IMDbtt0050212

More from David Lean

Lawrence of ArabiaLawrence of Arabia1962 · ★ 8.0 · 3h 48m Brief EncounterBrief Encounter1945 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 26m Doctor ZhivagoDoctor Zhivago1965 · ★ 7.6 · 3h 20m

If you liked The Bridge on the River Kwai

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Paths of GloryPaths of Glory1957 · ★ 8.3 · 1h 28m Judgment at NurembergJudgment at Nuremberg1961 · ★ 8.0 · 3h 11m The Great EscapeThe Great Escape1963 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 53m The Longest DayThe Longest Day1962 · ★ 7.6 · 2h 58m SpartacusSpartacus1960 · ★ 7.5 · 3h 17m ZuluZulu1964 · ★ 7.4 · 2h 18m HarakiriHarakiri1962 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 15m Night and FogNight and Fog1956 · ★ 8.3 · 0h 32m

Questions

How long is The Bridge on the River Kwai?
The Bridge on the River Kwai runs 162 minutes (2h 42m), which is long for a drama — plan for it.
Is The Bridge on the River Kwai worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.8/10 across 2,457 votes, which places it #8 of 13 films released in 1957 in this index (top 46%) and #399 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed The Bridge on the River Kwai?
The Bridge on the River Kwai was directed by David Lean. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Brief Encounter (1945), Doctor Zhivago (1965).
Who stars in The Bridge on the River Kwai?
William Holden as Cmdr. Shears; Alec Guinness as Col. Nicholson; Jack Hawkins as Maj. Warden; Sessue Hayakawa as Col. Saito; James Donald as Maj. Clipton; Geoffrey Horne as Lt. Joyce.
What is The Bridge on the River Kwai rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Bridge on the River Kwai?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/57739.

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Best of 1957Best dramaDrama of the 1950sBest historyHistory of the 1950sBest warWar of the 1950sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.