Rotten Tomatoes
Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Exodus

Play trailer Poster for Exodus 1960 3h 27m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
65% Tomatometer 17 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Based on Leon Uris' novel, this historical epic provides a dramatic backstory to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, in the aftermath of World War II. Ari Ben Canaan, a passionate member of the Jewish paramilitary group Haganah, attempts to transport 600 Jewish refugees on a dangerous voyage from Cyprus to Palestine on a ship named the Exodus. He faces obstruction from British forces, who will not grant the ship passage to its destination.
Watch on Fandango Stream Now

Where to Watch

Exodus

Critics Reviews

View More
John Gillett Sight & Sound Feb 11, 2020
Exodus, then, sees Preminger's sheer movie-making talent at its most extended. Unhappily, the ability to sustain a large canvas does not necessarily result in a good film. Go to Full Review Tom Milne Time Out Jan 26, 2006
Watchable mainly for the sheer skill and drive of Preminger's direction, although at 220 minutes even that long outstays its welcome. Go to Full Review Bosley Crowther New York Times May 9, 2005
4/5
In the end, one should take from this picture a shaken feeling of having been through a lot of harsh and ennobling experiences. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy May 13, 2026
3/4
There’s something to be said for the streamlining of so much historical content (and, yes, fictional deviations) found in Uris’ bowling-ball-sized novel. Go to Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Jul 20, 2021
The depiction of the founding of the modern state of Israel requires an epic film but the film takes a number of liberties--to be fair, the book is historical fiction. Go to Full Review Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Oct 31, 2019
Most of the time seems well spent, although Dalton Trumbo's otherwise skilful screenplay includes too many garrulous slowdowns while the characters discuss their conflicting ideologies. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Charles H @RT42397405 Jul 21, 2026 Great for lovers of IsrAel.🫡 See more Lorenz L @Lorenz1060 May 15, 2026 Sheer Zionist propaganda, not remotely historically-accurate! See more Claude V @Harpo990 May 4, 2026 I love this film. Based on the novel by Leon Uris, It relates the events leading to creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and the return of the Jewish people to their land after two millennia. Although the first portion in Cyprus is a partly fictional, the story once they reach British mandated Palestine is based on facts. The acting is excellent throughout with Paul Newman and Sal Mineo particularly memorable. Beautifully filmed on location on the island of Cyprus and in Israel itself, it is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the background to a truly modern day miracle. I really cannot recommend it highly enough for lovers of the country and people who want to learn about the history of Israel. Don't let the length of the film put you off, it's worth every minute of your time! See more Kellie H. @RT94595996 Apr 21, 2026 Excellent informational movie about modern Israel. In 1960 everyone knew this stuff, but in 2026 this history is new information to many. The film is riveting with Newman and Saint are at the height of their acting chops and Sal Moneo steals the whole film with his heart wrenching portrayal. Everyone should watch this movie at least once, Otto Preminger deserved an Oscar. See more Leo S @pyynto Jan 10, 2026 dude this film is so freaking good, that im starting to think that the people that hate and dog on this movie might just be antisemitic tbh (THATS A JOKE). But on a serious note, this film has everything, action, drama, an incredible emotional story that makes it such a classic. it is ABSOLUTE CINEMA. See more Sherie @sherie Jul 31, 2025 I’m glad I watched it but I wouldn’t want to watch it again unless it had been a long time since I last saw it and nothing else was on. I didn’t dislike, but didn’t necessarily want to spend more time with them characters. See more Read all reviews
Exodus

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING

Cast & Crew

View All

Otto Preminger

Director

Paul Newman

Ari Ben Canaan

Eva Marie Saint

Kitty Fremont

Ralph Richardson

Gen. Sutherland

Peter Lawford

Maj. Caldwell

Lee J. Cobb

Barak Ben Canaan

More Like This

View All
Esther and the King 33% 24% Esther and the King Watchlist The Diary of Anne Frank 81% 77% The Diary of Anne Frank Watchlist 55 Days at Peking 57% 58% 55 Days at Peking Watchlist Solomon and Sheba 17% 55% Solomon and Sheba Watchlist El Cid 93% 79% El Cid Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More
View All

Exodus

Exodus (1960) Exodus (1960) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Based on Leon Uris' novel, this historical epic provides a dramatic backstory to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, in the aftermath of World War II. Ari Ben Canaan, a passionate member of the Jewish paramilitary group Haganah, attempts to transport 600 Jewish refugees on a dangerous voyage from Cyprus to Palestine on a ship named the Exodus. He faces obstruction from British forces, who will not grant the ship passage to its destination.
Director
Otto Preminger
Producer
Otto Preminger
Screenwriter
Dalton Trumbo, Leon Uris
Distributor
United Artists, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co
Alpha Films, Carlyle Productions
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 27, 1960, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 3, 2018
Runtime
3h 27m
Sound Mix
Magnetic Stereo 6 Track
Aspect Ratio
70mm
Join The Newsletter Join The Newsletter Cookie Settings