Cruella (2021)
Kernel Score: 88% · 9,931 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Adventure
Released: 2021-05-26
Runtime: 134 minutes
Is Cruella worth watching?
Worth watching. A fast, stylish and funny origin story for Disney's villain, set in punk-era London. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson are great fun, and the costumes are superb. It runs a little long, but it is one of Disney's livelier live-action films.
Watch it if you
- like fashion and 1970s music
- enjoy rivalries between two strong actors
- want a lighter heist-style caper
Skip it if you
- want something faithful to the animated 101 Dalmatians
- dislike films over two hours
Best for: Date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Cruella
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.
Cruella parents' guide: ages 10+
Parents need to know that this PG-13 origin story follows a grifter and thieves as she embraces her wicked, revenge-driven villain persona.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The plot involves thievery, a revenge-bent scheme, and villainous conflict, with menace but limited graphic violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Cruella
If you liked Cruella, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- I, Tonya (2017) — 83%: Punchy, darkly funny story about an outsider
- Phantom Thread (2017) — 84%: Drama set in the fashion world, with a controlling genius
- Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022) — 81%: Sweet, stylish film about a woman and a dress
- Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015) — 86%: Stylish, funny British action romp
- Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) — 89%: Fast, funny London crime caper
- Batman (1989) — 81%: A stylish comic-book villain story
Director
Craig Gillespie
Cast
- Emma Stone as Estella / Cruella
- Emma Thompson as The Baroness
- Joel Fry as Jasper
- Paul Walter Hauser as Horace
- John McCrea as Artie
- Emily Beecham as Catherine / Maid
- Mark Strong as John the Valet
- Kayvan Novak as Roger
- Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Anita Darling
- Jamie Demetriou as Gerald
Cruella FAQ
Is Cruella worth watching?
Worth watching. A fast, stylish and funny origin story for Disney's villain, set in punk-era London. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson are great fun, and the costumes are superb. It runs a little long, but it is one of Disney's livelier live-action films.
Where can I watch Cruella?
In the US you can stream Cruella on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Cruella OK for kids?
Cruella is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 10+. Parents need to know that this PG-13 origin story follows a grifter and thieves as she embraces her wicked, revenge-driven villain persona.
What movies are like Cruella?
If you liked Cruella, try I, Tonya, Phantom Thread, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris and Kingsman: The Secret Service.