Dial M for Murder (1954)

Kernel Score: 89% · 2,806 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Thriller, Crime

Released: 1954-05-29

Runtime: 105 minutes

Is Dial M for Murder worth watching?

Must-watch. A neat, clever Hitchcock thriller built almost entirely in one flat, where a husband's carefully planned murder goes wrong. The script is tightly constructed and Grace Kelly is great.

Watch it if you

  • love classic whodunits and plot-driven thrillers
  • like Hitchcock's tight, clever puzzles
  • enjoy old Hollywood stars

Skip it if you

  • want modern pacing or action
  • dislike films that feel like a stage play

Best for: Classic movie night

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

Where to watch Dial M for Murder

  • Stream: TCM
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, FlixHouse, Fawesome, Plex, Tubi
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

When her American lover visits London, a wealthy woman’s jealous husband hatches a plan to murder her and inherit her fortune.

Dial M for Murder parents' guide: ages 8+

Parents need to know that Dial M for Murder is a classic Hitchcock thriller involving a murder plot born from adultery and jealousy.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Centers on a premeditated murder plot, including a struggle and killing, though largely suspense-driven rather than graphic.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Some — The plot is triggered by an extramarital affair, referenced but not shown explicitly.

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

Movies like Dial M for Murder

If you liked Dial M for Murder, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Rear Window (1954) — 93%: Hitchcock's tense single-location thriller, also starring Grace Kelly.
  • Rope (1948) — 89%: A murder story staged almost entirely in one apartment.
  • Gaslight (1944) — 86%: A husband's scheming against his wife, driven by suspense.
  • Double Indemnity (1944) — 90%: A tightly plotted murder scheme that unravels.
  • Rebecca (1940) — 89%: Hitchcock romantic suspense with a menacing atmosphere.
  • Vertigo (1958) — 88%: Hitchcock at his most obsessive, twisty and stylish.

Director

Alfred Hitchcock

Cast

  • Ray Milland as Tony Wendice
  • Grace Kelly as Margot Wendice
  • Robert Cummings as Mark Halliday
  • John Williams as Chief Inspector Hubbard
  • Anthony Dawson as Charles Swann
  • Leo Britt as Storyteller
  • Patrick Allen as Detective Pearson
  • George Leigh as Detective Williams
  • George Alderson as First Detective
  • Robin Hughes as Police Sergeant O'Brien

Dial M for Murder FAQ

Is Dial M for Murder worth watching?

Must-watch. A neat, clever Hitchcock thriller built almost entirely in one flat, where a husband's carefully planned murder goes wrong. The script is tightly constructed and Grace Kelly is great.

Where can I watch Dial M for Murder?

In the US you can stream Dial M for Murder on TCM, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, FlixHouse, Fawesome, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Dial M for Murder OK for kids?

Dial M for Murder is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Dial M for Murder is a classic Hitchcock thriller involving a murder plot born from adultery and jealousy.

What movies are like Dial M for Murder?

If you liked Dial M for Murder, try Rear Window, Rope, Gaslight and Double Indemnity.