Cat People (1942)
Kernel Score: 75% · 659 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Mystery, Horror, Romance
Released: 1942-12-05
Runtime: 73 minutes
Where to watch Cat People
- Stream: YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A Serbian émigré in Manhattan believes that, because of an ancient curse, any physical intimacy with the man she loves will turn her into a feline predator.
Cat People parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Cat People is a 1942 psychological horror-romance about a woman who fears intimacy will turn her into a predator.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes an animal attack and psychological horror elements tied to the curse premise.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Central plot tension revolves around fear of physical intimacy within a marriage.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — A smoking scene is referenced among the film's imagery.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Cat People
If you liked Cat People, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Vertigo (1958) — 88%
- To Catch a Thief (1955) — 80%
- The Others (2001) — 84%
- Bringing Up Baby (1938) — 86%
Director
Jacques Tourneur
Cast
- Simone Simon as Irena Dubrovna Reed
- Kent Smith as Oliver Reed
- Tom Conway as Dr. Louis Judd
- Jane Randolph as Alice Moore
- Jack Holt as The Commodore
- Henrietta Burnside as Sue Ellen (uncredited)
- Alec Craig as Zookeeper (uncredited)
- Eddie Dew as Street Policeman (uncredited)
- Elizabeth Dunne as Mrs. Plunkett (uncredited)
- Dot Farley as Mrs. Agnew (uncredited)
Cat People FAQ
Is Cat People good?
Cat People has a 75% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 659 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Cat People?
In the US you can stream Cat People on YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Cat People OK for kids?
Cat People is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Cat People is a 1942 psychological horror-romance about a woman who fears intimacy will turn her into a predator.
What movies are like Cat People?
If you liked Cat People, try Vertigo, To Catch a Thief, The Others and Bringing Up Baby.