The Thread (2015): cast, story & where to watch

2015 · Film · ★ 6.1

The Thread poster

Released in 2015, The Thread is a documentary film directed by Greg Barker, running about 59 minutes.

What it’s about. The Thread is a groundbreaking documentary that exposes the undeniable impact amateur internet writers are having on journalism today. Following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, amateur internet sleuths took to Twitter and Reddit, intent on identifying the individuals responsible. The ensuing investigation led to an innocent young man being charged with the crime, thus changing the face of journalism forever. Directed by Greg Barker (Manhunt) and executive produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Jonathan Chinn (American High) and Academy Award-winning producer Simon Chinn (Man on Wire).

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.1/10, The Thread has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Thread page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Thread 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 The Thread (2015)?
In US, The Thread is available to rent or buy from Google Play Movies and YouTube. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
Is The Thread worth watching?
The Thread holds an audience score of 6.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
When was The Thread released?
The Thread was released in 2015, with a runtime of about 59 minutes.