The Day After (1983): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1983, The Day After is an action, drama, science fiction and tv movie film directed by Nicholas Meyer, running about 127 minutes. “They told us it would be impossible to make this movie. They told us it would be impossible for you to watch it. We hope nothing is impossible.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In the mid-1980s, the U.S. is poised on the brink of nuclear war. This shadow looms over the residents of a small town in Kansas as they continue their daily lives. Dr. Russell Oakes maintains his busy schedule at the hospital, Denise Dahlberg prepares for her upcoming wedding, and Stephen Klein is deep in his graduate studies. When the unthinkable happens and the bombs come down, the town's residents are thrust into the horrors of nuclear winter.

Who’s in it. The Day After stars Jason Robards as Dr. Russell Oakes, John Cullum as Jim Dahlberg, JoBeth Williams as Nurse Nancy Bauer and Steve Guttenberg as Stephen Klein, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, The Day After has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Day After page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Day After tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.