Black Swan (2010)

Kernel Score: 86% · 15,370 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Drama, Thriller, Horror

Released: 2010-12-03

Runtime: 108 minutes

Is Black Swan worth watching?

Worth watching. A ballerina's pursuit of perfection tips into paranoia and horror. Natalie Portman is fully committed, and the film is intense and unsettling.

Watch it if you

  • like psychological thrillers
  • enjoy intense performances
  • want a dark, stylish film

Skip it if you

  • dislike body horror and disturbing imagery
  • want a realistic ballet drama

Best for: Late-night thriller

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

Where to watch Black Swan

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

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A committed dancer struggles to maintain her sanity after winning the lead role in a production of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake".

Black Swan parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Black Swan is an R-rated psychological thriller about a ballet dancer's descent into paranoia and hallucination, including intense sexual content and self-harm imagery.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes disturbing hallucinatory self-harm imagery, madness, and psychological horror.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Contains sexual content including a same-sex intimate scene and nudity tied to the character's psychological unraveling.

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

Movies like Black Swan

If you liked Black Swan, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Perfect Blue (1998) — 92%: Anime thriller about a performer losing her grip on reality
  • Requiem for a Dream (2000) — 89%: Same director's harrowing study in obsession
  • The Wrestler (2008) — 85%: Same director's intense look at a body pushed to its limit
  • The Red Shoes (1948) — 90%: Classic ballet film about art consuming the performer
  • Repulsion (1965) — 85%: Slow-burning psychological breakdown
  • Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: Paranoid psychological horror

Director

Darren Aronofsky

Cast

  • Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers / The Swan Queen
  • Mila Kunis as Lily / The Black Swan
  • Vincent Cassel as Thomas Leroy / The Gentleman
  • Barbara Hershey as Erica Sayers / The Queen
  • Winona Ryder as Beth Macintyre / The Dying Swan
  • Benjamin Millepied as David Moreau / The Prince
  • Ksenia Solo as Veronica / Little Swan
  • Kristina Anapau as Galina / Little Swan
  • Janet Montgomery as Madeline / Little Swan
  • Sebastian Stan as Andrew / Suitor

Black Swan FAQ

Is Black Swan worth watching?

Worth watching. A ballerina's pursuit of perfection tips into paranoia and horror. Natalie Portman is fully committed, and the film is intense and unsettling.

Where can I watch Black Swan?

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

Is Black Swan OK for kids?

Black Swan is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Black Swan is an R-rated psychological thriller about a ballet dancer's descent into paranoia and hallucination, including intense sexual content and self-harm imagery.

What movies are like Black Swan?

If you liked Black Swan, try Perfect Blue, Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler and The Red Shoes.