Brain on Fire (2017)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,419 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2017-02-22
Runtime: 88 minutes
Where to watch Brain on Fire
- Free with ads: Fawesome, The Roku Channel, The CW, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Susannah Cahalan, an up-and-coming journalist at the New York Post becomes plagued by voices in her head and seizures, causing a rapid descent into insanity.
Brain on Fire parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Brain on Fire is a PG-13 drama based on the true story of journalist Susannah Cahalan's rapid descent into illness with seizures and misdiagnosed insanity.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts seizures and medical distress rather than intentional violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Brain on Fire
If you liked Brain on Fire, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Awakenings (1990) — 88%
- Fathers and Daughters (2015) — 79%
- Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009) — 89%
- Erin Brockovich (2000) — 83%
- Concussion (2015) — 78%
- Richard Jewell (2019) — 83%
- You're Not You (2014) — 85%
- Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) — 80%
Director
Gerard Barrett
Cast
- Chloë Grace Moretz as Susannah Cahalan
- Thomas Mann as Stephen Grywalski
- Richard Armitage as Tom Cahalan
- Carrie-Anne Moss as Rhona Nack
- Jenny Slate as Margo
- Tyler Perry as Richard
- Alex Zahara as Allen
- Jenn MacLean-Angus as Giselle
- Ken Tremblett as Senator
- Navid Negahban as Dr. Najjar
Brain on Fire FAQ
Is Brain on Fire good?
Brain on Fire has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,419 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Brain on Fire?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Fawesome, The Roku Channel, The CW, Shout! Factory TV and YouTube Free.
Is Brain on Fire OK for kids?
Brain on Fire is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Brain on Fire is a PG-13 drama based on the true story of journalist Susannah Cahalan's rapid descent into illness with seizures and misdiagnosed insanity.
What movies are like Brain on Fire?
If you liked Brain on Fire, try Awakenings, Fathers and Daughters, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story and Erin Brockovich.