Half Life (1986): cast, story & where to watch
1986 · Film · ★ 6.6

Released in 1986, Half Life is a documentary film directed by Dennis O'Rourke, running about 86 minutes.
What it’s about. Dennis O’Rourke’s documentary investigates the 1954 Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb test in the Marshall Islands and its long-term consequences. Combining declassified U.S. military footage, archival material, and interviews with Marshallese islanders and American servicemen, the film recounts how radioactive fallout affected residents of Rongelap and Utirik Atolls and explores the political and scientific context of Cold War nuclear testing.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.6/10, Half Life 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 Half Life page.
If you liked it. Fans of Half Life tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Half Life (1986)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Half Life change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Half Life worth watching?
- Half Life holds an audience score of 6.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- When was Half Life released?
- Half Life was released in 1986, with a runtime of about 86 minutes.
