Black Narcissus (1947)
Kernel Score: 84% · 540 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama
Released: 1947-05-26
Runtime: 100 minutes
Where to watch Black Narcissus
- Stream: Fubo, HBO Max, Artiflix
- Free with ads: Darkroom, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Clodagh, are sent to a mountain in the Himalayas. The climate in the region is hostile and the nuns are housed in an odd old palace. They work to establish a school and a hospital, but slowly their focus shifts. Sister Ruth falls for a government worker, Mr. Dean, and begins to question her vow of celibacy. As Sister Ruth obsesses over Mr. Dean, Sister Clodagh becomes immersed in her own memories of love.
Black Narcissus parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Black Narcissus is a classic drama about nuns whose isolation and forbidden desire cause a psychological unraveling.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Centers on forbidden love and a nun's obsession with a man, testing her vow of celibacy, though handled without explicit content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Black Narcissus
If you liked Black Narcissus, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Seven Years in Tibet (1997) — 80%
- Doubt (2008) — 82%
- Breakthrough (2019) — 86%
- The Eight Mountains (2022) — 86%
- Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2019) — 83%
- Train Dreams (2025) — 80%
- Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) — 81%
- After the Wedding (2006) — 78%
Director
Cast
- Deborah Kerr as Sister Clodagh
- Sabu as The Young General
- David Farrar as Mr. Dean
- Flora Robson as Sister Philippa
- Esmond Knight as The Old General
- Jean Simmons as Kanchi
- Kathleen Byron as Sister Ruth
- Jenny Laird as Sister Honey
- Judith Furse as Sister Briony
- May Hallatt as Angu Ayah
Black Narcissus FAQ
Is Black Narcissus good?
Black Narcissus has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 540 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Black Narcissus?
In the US you can stream Black Narcissus on Fubo, HBO Max and Artiflix, watch it free with ads on Darkroom, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Black Narcissus OK for kids?
Black Narcissus is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Black Narcissus is a classic drama about nuns whose isolation and forbidden desire cause a psychological unraveling.
What movies are like Black Narcissus?
If you liked Black Narcissus, try Seven Years in Tibet, Doubt, Breakthrough and The Eight Mountains.