Carrie (1976)

Kernel Score: 84% · 4,232 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Thriller

Released: 1976-11-03

Runtime: 98 minutes

Is Carrie worth watching?

Worth watching. A bullied teenager discovers telekinetic powers just before her prom. It's short, sharp and sad, and its final act is still among the best-known in horror, though some of the 70s style has dated.

Watch it if you

  • like classic horror
  • enjoy stories about outsiders
  • want a short, striking film

Skip it if you

  • dislike bloody finales
  • want modern horror pacing

Best for: Horror night in

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

Where to watch Carrie

  • Stream: Prime Video, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Plex
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Withdrawn and sensitive teenager Carrie White faces bullying from classmates and abuse from her fanatically pious mother. When she begins to suspect that she has supernatural powers, things take a dark and violent turn.

Carrie parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Carrie is an R-rated horror classic featuring bullying, religious abuse, and a violent supernatural revenge climax.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Depicts bullying, humiliation, and a violent, deadly telekinetic rampage at a prom, per the plot and keywords.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Contains a locker-room scene and teen sexuality themes typical of the story's high-school setting.

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

Movies like Carrie

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

  • The Exorcist (1973) — 88%: Classic horror of an innocent girl and a dark force.
  • The Shining (1980) — 95%: Horror based on a Stephen King novel.
  • Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: 60s horror about trust and dread.
  • Phantom of the Paradise (1974) — 85%: Same director's cult musical horror.
  • Blow Out (1981) — 84%: Same director's stylish suspense thriller.
  • Hereditary (2018) — 84%: Modern family horror.

Director

Brian De Palma

Cast

  • Sissy Spacek as Carrie
  • Piper Laurie as Margaret White
  • Amy Irving as Sue Snell
  • William Katt as Tommy Ross
  • John Travolta as Billy Nolan
  • Nancy Allen as Chris Hargenson
  • Betty Buckley as Miss Collins
  • P. J. Soles as Norma
  • Priscilla Pointer as Mrs. Snell
  • Sydney Lassick as Mr. Fromm

Carrie FAQ

Is Carrie worth watching?

Worth watching. A bullied teenager discovers telekinetic powers just before her prom. It's short, sharp and sad, and its final act is still among the best-known in horror, though some of the 70s style has dated.

Where can I watch Carrie?

In the US you can stream Carrie on Prime Video, HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home and Plex.

Is Carrie OK for kids?

Carrie is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Carrie is an R-rated horror classic featuring bullying, religious abuse, and a violent supernatural revenge climax.

What movies are like Carrie?

If you liked Carrie, try The Exorcist, The Shining, Rosemary's Baby and Phantom of the Paradise.