Where to Watch War and Peace (1956) in the US

What it's about

By 1812, Napoleon's (Herbert Lom's) forces controlled much of Europe. Russia, one of the few countries still unconquered, prepares to face Napoleon's troops together with Austria. Amongst the Russian soldiers, are Count Nikolai Rostov (Jeremy Brett) and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky (Mel Ferrer). Count Pierre Bezukhov (Henry Fonda), a friend of Andrei's, and self-styled intellectual, who is not interested in fighting. Pierre's life changes when his father dies, leaving him a vast inheritance. He is attracted to Natasha Rostov (Audrey Hepburn), Nikolai's sister, but she is too young, so he gives in to baser desires and marries the shallow, manipulative Princess Helene (Anita Ekberg). The marriage ends when Pierre discovers his wife's true nature. Andrei is captured and later released by the French, and returns home only to watch his wife die in childbirth. A few months later, Pierre and Andrei meet again. Andrei sees Natasha and falls in love, but his father will only permit the marriage if they postpone it for one year until Natasha turns seventeen. While Andrei is away on a military mission, Natasha is drawn to Anatole Kuragin (Vittorio Gassman), a womanizer. Pierre saves Natasha by telling her of Anatole's past before she can elope with him. Napoleon invades Russia. Pierre visits Andrei on the eve of the battle, and observes the battle that follows. Traumatized by the carnage, he vows to kill Napoleon.

Cast and crew

Director

King Vidor

Writer

Lev Tolstoy, Bridget Boland, Robert Westerby

Starring

Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer

Details

Release date

Aug 21, 1956

Language

English, Russian, French

Country

Italy, United States

Awards

Nominated for 3 Oscars. 7 wins & 13 nominations total

Where to Watch War and Peace (1956) in the US — common questions

Where to watch War and Peace in the United States?

War and Peace is available with a subscription, free with a participating library card, or to rent in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on Paramount+ (HD). Watch the movie free with a participating library card on hoopla and Kanopy (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I stream War and Peace or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on Paramount+ (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I watch War and Peace for free in the United States?

Watch the movie free with a participating library card on hoopla and Kanopy (HD).