Movie

Empire of the Sun

“To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.”

★ 7.5(2,159)19872h 33m

Empire of the Sun is streaming on Sky Go and Now TV Cinema in United Kingdom, and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store and YouTube. Availability checked 24 July 2026.

Where to watch Empire of the Sun

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Good to know

Director: Steven Spielberg
Release date: 1987-12-09
Runtime: 2h 33m
Language: English
Box office: $66,700,000
Budget: $35,000,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Empire of the Sun — trailer

About Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun is a 1987 movie in the Drama, History and War genres, directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Christian Bale, John Malkovich and Miranda Richardson. It has a runtime of 2 hours 33 minutes. It holds an average rating of 7.5/10 from 2,159 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Empire of the Sun in United Kingdom — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.

Cast

Christian Bale

Jim

John Malkovich

Basie

Miranda Richardson

Mrs. Victor

Nigel Havers

Dr. Rawlins

Joe Pantoliano

Frank Demarest

Leslie Phillips

Maxton

Masatô Ibu

Sgt. Nagata

Emily Richard

Jim's Mother

Rupert Frazer

Jim's Father

Peter Gale

Mr. Victor

Takatarô Kataoka

Kamikaze Boy Pilot

Ben Stiller

Dainty

Themes & keywords

based on novel or bookshanghai, chinaatomic bombstadiumbraverypeasantworld war iiprisoner of warcoming of agepacific warchinesejapanese armyjapanese soldierjapanese surrendersalt mine

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Empire of the Sun in United Kingdom?+

In United Kingdom, you can stream Empire of the Sun on Sky Go and Now TV Cinema. It's also available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store and YouTube.

Is Empire of the Sun on Netflix?+

Empire of the Sun is not on Netflix in United Kingdom right now, but you can stream it on Sky Go and Now TV Cinema.

How long is Empire of the Sun?+

Empire of the Sun has a runtime of 2 hours 33 minutes (153 minutes).

Who stars in Empire of the Sun?+

Empire of the Sun stars Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers and Joe Pantoliano.

When did Empire of the Sun come out?+

Empire of the Sun is a 1987 movie directed by Steven Spielberg.

What genre is Empire of the Sun?+

Empire of the Sun is Drama, History and War film.

Who directed Empire of the Sun?+

Empire of the Sun was directed by Steven Spielberg.