Doctor Sleep (2019)

Kernel Score: 78% · 4,787 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Fantasy

Released: 2019-10-30

Runtime: 152 minutes

Is Doctor Sleep worth watching?

Worth watching. A long but surprisingly thoughtful sequel to The Shining that cares more about trauma and addiction than cheap scares. It works best if you're ready for a slow, eerie ride.

Watch it if you

  • liked The Shining and want to see what happened next
  • prefer haunting, character-led horror
  • enjoy supernatural stories with emotional stakes

Skip it if you

  • want constant jump scares
  • haven't seen The Shining, since it leans on it

Best for: Late-night scary movie

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

Where to watch Doctor Sleep

  • Stream: Fubo, Paramount+
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

Still scarred by the trauma he endured as a child at the Overlook Hotel, Dan Torrance faces the ghosts of the past when he meets Abra, a courageous teen who desperately needs his help -- and who possesses a powerful extrasensory ability called the "shine".

Doctor Sleep parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Doctor Sleep is an R-rated supernatural horror film involving psychic threats and disturbing imagery.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Supernatural horror violence and tense, menacing sequences involving psychic predators.

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

Movies like Doctor Sleep

If you liked Doctor Sleep, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Shining (1980) — 95%: The original; essential before or after this sequel
  • The Orphanage (2007) — 82%: Sad, atmospheric ghost story built on emotion
  • The Innocents (1961) — 84%: Slow-burn classic where dread beats gore
  • The Haunting (1963) — 78%: Old-school haunted house with psychological unease
  • Poltergeist (1982) — 80%: Family-centred haunted house story with real scares
  • Insidious (2011) — 78%: Supernatural scares with a strong family hook

Director

Mike Flanagan

Cast

  • Ewan McGregor as Danny Torrance
  • Rebecca Ferguson as Rose the Hat
  • Kyliegh Curran as Abra Stone
  • Cliff Curtis as Billy Freeman
  • Zahn McClarnon as Crow Daddy
  • Emily Alyn Lind as Snakebite Andi
  • Selena Anduze as Apron Annie
  • Robert Longstreet as Barry the Chunk
  • Carel Struycken as Grampa Flick
  • Katie Parker as Silent Sarey

Doctor Sleep FAQ

Is Doctor Sleep worth watching?

Worth watching. A long but surprisingly thoughtful sequel to The Shining that cares more about trauma and addiction than cheap scares. It works best if you're ready for a slow, eerie ride.

Where can I watch Doctor Sleep?

In the US you can stream Doctor Sleep on Fubo and Paramount+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Doctor Sleep OK for kids?

Doctor Sleep is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Doctor Sleep is an R-rated supernatural horror film involving psychic threats and disturbing imagery.

What movies are like Doctor Sleep?

If you liked Doctor Sleep, try The Shining, The Orphanage, The Innocents and The Haunting.