Dead Ringers (1988)

Kernel Score: 81% · 979 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Thriller, Horror

Released: 1988-09-23

Runtime: 115 minutes

Where to watch Dead Ringers

  • Stream: Night Flight Plus
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Elliot, a successful gynecologist, works at the same practice as his identical twin, Beverly. Elliot is attracted to many of his patients and has affairs with them. When he inevitably loses interest, he will give the woman over to Beverly, the meeker of the two, without the woman knowing the difference. Beverly falls hard for one of the patients, Claire, but when she inadvertently deceives him, he slips into a state of madness.

Dead Ringers parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Dead Ringers is an R-rated psychological thriller involving twin gynecologists, drug abuse, sadomasochism, and murder.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes murder and disturbing psychological breakdown themes.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Contains sadomasochism, bondage, extramarital affairs, and voyeurism as central plot elements.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Features drug use as part of the characters' psychological decline.

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

Movies like Dead Ringers

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

Director

David Cronenberg

Cast

  • Jeremy Irons as Beverly Mantle / Elliot Mantle
  • Geneviève Bujold as Claire Niveau
  • Heidi von Palleske as Cary
  • Barbara Gordon as Danuta
  • Shirley Douglas as Laura
  • Stephen Lack as Wolleck / Anders Wolleck
  • Nick Nichols as Leo
  • Lynne Cormack as Arlene
  • Damir Andrei as Birchall
  • Miriam Newhouse as Mrs. Bookman

Dead Ringers FAQ

Is Dead Ringers good?

Dead Ringers has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 979 audience ratings.

Where can I watch Dead Ringers?

In the US you can stream Dead Ringers on Night Flight Plus, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel and Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.

Is Dead Ringers OK for kids?

Dead Ringers is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Dead Ringers is an R-rated psychological thriller involving twin gynecologists, drug abuse, sadomasochism, and murder.

What movies are like Dead Ringers?

If you liked Dead Ringers, try Ginger Snaps, Basic Instinct, Bitter Moon and A Wolf at the Door.