Cape Fear (1991)
Kernel Score: 84% · 3,786 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller
Released: 1991-11-13
Runtime: 128 minutes
Is Cape Fear worth watching?
Worth watching. Robert De Niro as a vengeful ex-convict terrorising the lawyer who put him away. Scorsese goes loud and nasty; De Niro's menace is frightening, but the last act is over the top.
Watch it if you
- like intense, nasty thrillers
- want De Niro at his scariest
- enjoy Scorsese's style
Skip it if you
- dislike violence toward families
- want subtle suspense
Best for: Tense thriller night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Cape Fear
- Stream: Prime Video, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Sam Bowden is a small-town corporate attorney. Max Cady is a tattooed, cigar-smoking, Bible-quoting, psychotic rapist. What do they have in common? 14 years ago, Sam was a public defender assigned to Max Cady's rape trial, and he made a serious error: he hid a document from his illiterate client that could have gotten him acquitted. Now, the cagey Cady has been released, and he intends to teach Sam Bowden and his family a thing or two about loss.
Cape Fear parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Cape Fear is an R-rated psychological thriller about a paroled rapist stalking and terrorizing the family of the lawyer who prosecuted him, including references to child abuse and rape.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Involves stalking, threats to a family, and a killed pet, escalating to violent confrontation.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Centers on a convicted rapist's history and continued predatory threats, including toward a teenage daughter.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Cape Fear
If you liked Cape Fear, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Cape Fear (1962) — 85%: The original, leaner version of the same story.
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — 89%: A frightening, character-driven thriller with a chilling villain.
- Taxi Driver (1976) — 90%: De Niro and Scorsese in a darker, edgier film.
- Shutter Island (2010) — 91%: Scorsese's psychological thriller with a compelling twist.
- The Night of the Hunter (1955) — 89%: A menacing preacher stalks a family in this classic chase.
- Rope (1948) — 89%: A tight, nasty thriller in one apartment.
Director
Cast
- Robert De Niro as Max Cady
- Nick Nolte as Sam Bowden
- Jessica Lange as Leigh Bowden
- Juliette Lewis as Danielle Bowden
- Joe Don Baker as Claude Kersek
- Robert Mitchum as Lieutenant Elgart
- Gregory Peck as Lee Heller
- Martin Balsam as Judge
- Illeana Douglas as Lori Davis
- Fred Thompson as Tom Broadbent
Cape Fear FAQ
Is Cape Fear worth watching?
Worth watching. Robert De Niro as a vengeful ex-convict terrorising the lawyer who put him away. Scorsese goes loud and nasty; De Niro's menace is frightening, but the last act is over the top.
Where can I watch Cape Fear?
In the US you can stream Cape Fear on Prime Video and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Cape Fear OK for kids?
Cape Fear is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Cape Fear is an R-rated psychological thriller about a paroled rapist stalking and terrorizing the family of the lawyer who prosecuted him, including references to child abuse and rape.
What movies are like Cape Fear?
If you liked Cape Fear, try Cape Fear, The Silence of the Lambs, Taxi Driver and Shutter Island.