Movie

Distant Thunder

“A hero of war. A casualty of peace, With only one hope for survival...his son.”

★ 5.7(17)19881h 54m

Distant Thunder is streaming on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential and Paramount+ Amazon Channel in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. Availability checked 11 June 2026.

Where to watch Distant Thunder

🇺🇸 United States

fuboTVStream

Paramount Plus PremiumStream

Paramount Plus EssentialStream

Paramount+ Amazon ChannelStream

Amazon VideoRent

Apple TV StoreRent

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Good to know

Director: Rick Rosenthal
Release date: 1988-11-11
Runtime: 1h 54m
Language: English
Box office: $156,188
Budget: $8,000,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Distant Thunder — trailer

About Distant Thunder

Distant Thunder is a 1988 movie in the Drama genre, directed by Rick Rosenthal, starring Ralph Macchio, John Lithgow and Kerrie Keane. It has a runtime of 1 hour 54 minutes. It holds an average rating of 5.7/10 from 17 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Distant Thunder in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

A troubled Vietnam war vet deserts his wife and child shortly after he returns from the war. He returns after 10 years, where he's been living like an animal in the forest. He finds himself unprepared for the changes that he will have to cope with, and when the vet tries to contact his son, he realizes that he has caused more damage than he had imagined.

Cast

Ralph Macchio

Jack Lambert

John Lithgow

Mark Lambert

Kerrie Keane

Char

Reb Brown

Harvey Nitz

Janet Margolin

Barbara Lambert

Tom Bower

Louis

Jamey Sheridan

Moss

Denis Arndt

Larry

Michael Currie

Coach Swabey

Robyn Stevan

Holly

Denalda Williams

Jeanette

John Kelly

Andy

Themes & keywords

suicidevietnamhomelessness

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Distant Thunder in United States?+

In United States, you can stream Distant Thunder on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential and Paramount+ Amazon Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Is Distant Thunder on Netflix?+

Distant Thunder is not on Netflix in United States right now, but you can stream it on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential and Paramount+ Amazon Channel.

How long is Distant Thunder?+

Distant Thunder has a runtime of 1 hour 54 minutes (114 minutes).

Who stars in Distant Thunder?+

Distant Thunder stars Ralph Macchio, John Lithgow, Kerrie Keane, Reb Brown and Janet Margolin.

When did Distant Thunder come out?+

Distant Thunder is a 1988 movie directed by Rick Rosenthal.

What genre is Distant Thunder?+

Distant Thunder is Drama film.

Who directed Distant Thunder?+

Distant Thunder was directed by Rick Rosenthal.