Being John Malkovich (1999)
Kernel Score: 85% · 4,704 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Released: 1999-10-29
Runtime: 113 minutes
Is Being John Malkovich worth watching?
Worth watching. A strange, funny and often unsettling comedy about a man who finds a door into an actor's head. It's very weird, but it's also smart about identity and desire.
Watch it if you
- like absurd, high-concept comedy
- enjoy offbeat, thoughtful films
- want something truly original
Skip it if you
- dislike surreal, uncomfortable humour
- want a straightforward plot
Best for: Weird night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Being John Malkovich
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
One day at work, unsuccessful puppeteer Craig finds a portal into the head of actor John Malkovich. The portal soon becomes a passion for anybody who enters its mad and controlling world of overtaking another human body.
Being John Malkovich parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Being John Malkovich is a surreal R-rated comedy-drama exploring identity, control of another person's body, and sexual identity themes.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — The film explores sexual identity and transvestism themes as part of its surreal plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Being John Malkovich
If you liked Being John Malkovich, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Adaptation. (2002) — 82%: Same screenwriter, another playful mind-bender
- Her (2013) — 94%: Same director, a gentler, sadder look at identity and love
- Stranger Than Fiction (2006) — 81%: Quirky comedy about a man inside someone else's story
- Pleasantville (1998) — 82%: Fantasy that gets under the skin of ordinary life
- Ruby Sparks (2012) — 79%: Creative romance with a fantastic twist
- Swiss Army Man (2016) — 75%: Wildly odd, oddly touching comedy
Director
Cast
- John Cusack as Craig Schwartz
- Cameron Diaz as Lotte Schwartz
- John Malkovich as John Horatio Malkovich
- Catherine Keener as Maxine Lund
- Orson Bean as Dr. Lester
- Mary Kay Place as Floris
- W. Earl Brown as First J.M. Inc. Customer
- Carlos Jacott as Larry the Agent
- Willie Garson as Guy in Restaurant
- Byrne Piven as Captain Mertin
Being John Malkovich FAQ
Is Being John Malkovich worth watching?
Worth watching. A strange, funny and often unsettling comedy about a man who finds a door into an actor's head. It's very weird, but it's also smart about identity and desire.
Where can I watch Being John Malkovich?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Being John Malkovich OK for kids?
Being John Malkovich is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Being John Malkovich is a surreal R-rated comedy-drama exploring identity, control of another person's body, and sexual identity themes.
What movies are like Being John Malkovich?
If you liked Being John Malkovich, try Adaptation., Her, Stranger Than Fiction and Pleasantville.