Cries and Whispers (1972)
Kernel Score: 88% · 766 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1972-12-21
Runtime: 95 minutes
Where to watch Cries and Whispers
- Stream: The Criterion Channel, HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
As Agnes slowly dies of cancer, her sisters are so immersed in their own psychic pains that they are unable to offer her the support she needs.
Cries and Whispers parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Cries and Whispers is a heavy Bergman drama about a woman dying of cancer and her sisters' emotional turmoil.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts a woman's slow death from cancer with intense emotional and some physically distressing imagery.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Contains mature adult themes including sensuality among the sisters, per its R rating and dramatic content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Cries and Whispers
If you liked Cries and Whispers, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Fanny and Alexander (1982) — 87%
- All My Life (2020) — 89%
- Melancholia (2011) — 79%
- My Sister's Keeper (2009) — 84%
- Brothers (2009) — 81%
- Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962) — 86%
- Holiday (1938) — 83%
- Paddleton (2019) — 77%
Director
Cast
- Liv Ullmann as Maria
- Ingrid Thulin as Karin
- Kari Sylwan as Anna
- Harriet Andersson as Agnes
- Erland Josephson as David
- Georg Årlin as Fredrik
- Anders Ek as Isak
- Henning Moritzen as Joakim
- Ingmar Bergman as Narrator (voice)
- Ingrid Sandell as Girl at a Family Gathering (uncredited)
Cries and Whispers FAQ
Is Cries and Whispers good?
Cries and Whispers has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 766 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Cries and Whispers?
In the US you can stream Cries and Whispers on The Criterion Channel and HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Cries and Whispers OK for kids?
Cries and Whispers is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Cries and Whispers is a heavy Bergman drama about a woman dying of cancer and her sisters' emotional turmoil.
What movies are like Cries and Whispers?
If you liked Cries and Whispers, try Fanny and Alexander, All My Life, Melancholia and My Sister's Keeper.