A Monster Calls (2016)

Kernel Score: 82% · 3,512 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Family

Released: 2016-10-07

Runtime: 108 minutes

Is A Monster Calls worth watching?

Must-watch. A boy facing his mother's illness is visited by a monster who tells him stories. It is a moving fantasy that treats grief honestly and doesn't talk down to young viewers. Expect tears, and a story that's best for older kids and adults.

Watch it if you

  • like emotional fantasy with a real message
  • want a film that's honest about grief
  • enjoy dark fairy tales

Skip it if you

  • want a light family adventure
  • can't handle a parent's illness on screen

Best for: Quiet family night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch A Monster Calls

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

12-year-old Conor encounters an ancient tree monster who proceeds to help him cope with his mother's terminal illness and being bullied in school.

A Monster Calls parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that A Monster Calls deals with a boy's mother dying of cancer and his experience of school bullying.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Includes bullying and a fantastical monster that can be frightening for younger children.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like A Monster Calls

If you liked A Monster Calls, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Duma (2005) — 81%: A boy's bond with an animal as he copes with loss.
  • The Farewell (2019) — 83%: Family drama about facing a loved one's mortality.
  • Labyrinth (1986) — 82%: Classic fantasy about a young person facing growing up.
  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) — 85%: Heartfelt story of a lonely kid and an unlikely friend.
  • The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Storybook fantasy with warmth and humour.
  • Let the Right One In (2008) — 87%: Haunting tale of a bullied boy and an unusual friend.

Director

J. A. Bayona

Cast

  • Lewis MacDougall as Conor
  • Sigourney Weaver as Grandma
  • Felicity Jones as Mum
  • Toby Kebbell as Dad
  • Ben Moor as Mr. Clark
  • James Melville as Harry
  • Oliver Steer as Sully
  • Dominic Boyle as Anton
  • Jennifer Lim as Miss Kwan
  • Max Gabbay as Steven

A Monster Calls FAQ

Is A Monster Calls worth watching?

Must-watch. A boy facing his mother's illness is visited by a monster who tells him stories. It is a moving fantasy that treats grief honestly and doesn't talk down to young viewers. Expect tears, and a story that's best for older kids and adults.

Where can I watch A Monster Calls?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is A Monster Calls OK for kids?

A Monster Calls is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that A Monster Calls deals with a boy's mother dying of cancer and his experience of school bullying.

What movies are like A Monster Calls?

If you liked A Monster Calls, try Duma, The Farewell, Labyrinth and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.