Fail Safe
“It will have you sitting on the brink of eternity!”
Because of a technical defect an American bomber team mistakenly orders the destruction of Moscow. The President of the United States has but little time to prevent an atomic catastrophe from occurring.
Where to watch Fail Safe in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Fail Safe there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Fail Safe streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| India | — | Amazon Video |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Canada | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, YouTube |
| Germany | Moviedome Plus Amazon Channel, BATTLEZONE Amazon Channel, Netzkino Select Amazon Channel | Amazon Video |
| France | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD |
| Spain | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video |
| Brazil | Looke, Looke Amazon Channel, NetMovies | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Japan | U-NEXT | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
About Fail Safe
Fail Safe is a 1964 English-language thriller, drama and war film directed by Sidney Lumet. The cast is led by Henry Fonda, Walter Matthau, Fritz Weaver. It has a runtime of 1h 52m. Viewers rate it 7.8/10 across 500 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Fail Safe was produced by Columbia Pictures and made in United States of America. It was released on October 7, 1964, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Sidney Lumet
- Writers
- Walter Bernstein
- Release date
- October 7, 1964
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Production
- Columbia Pictures
Fail Safe cast & crew
Fail Safe was directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Walter Bernstein.
The cast features Henry Fonda as The President, Walter Matthau as Prof. Groeteschele, Fritz Weaver as Col. Cascio, Larry Hagman as Buck, Frank Overton as Gen. Bogan, and Edward Binns as Col. Jack Grady.
Behind the camera, cinematography is by Gerald Hirschfeld and it was produced by Sidney Lumet and Max E. Youngstein.
Is Fail Safe worth watching?
Fail Safe holds an audience score of 7.8/10 from 470 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed thriller films.
At 1h 52m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy thriller, drama, and war, Fail Safe is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Fail Safe
Fail Safe isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Fail Safe
Henry Fonda
The President
Walter Matthau
Prof. Groeteschele
Fritz Weaver
Col. Cascio
Larry Hagman
Buck
Frank Overton
Gen. Bogan
Edward Binns
Col. Jack Grady
Dan O'Herlihy
Brig. Gen. Warren A. Black
William Hansen
Defense Secretary Swenson
Russell Hardie
Gen. Stark
Janet Ward
Helen Grady
Dom DeLuise
TSgt. Collins
Russell Collins
Knapp
Fail Safe — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Fail Safe in United States?
Fail Safe is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.
▸What language is Fail Safe in?
Fail Safe is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, Russian. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Fail Safe?
Fail Safe runs 1 hours 52 minutes (112 minutes).
▸What is Fail Safe rated?
Fail Safe is rated NR. It holds a 7.8/10 audience score from 470 ratings.
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