Donnie Darko (2001)
Kernel Score: 87% · 13,234 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Mystery
Released: 2001-01-19
Runtime: 114 minutes
Is Donnie Darko worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A strange, moody cult film about a troubled teenager, a man in a rabbit suit and a possible end of the world. Memorable and haunting, but the plot is deliberately puzzling and not everyone enjoys that.
Watch it if you
- like puzzling, atmospheric mysteries
- enjoy 1980s teen settings with a dark twist
- love films you can debate afterwards
Skip it if you
- want a clear, tidy plot
- dislike unresolved questions
Best for: Late-night solo watch
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Donnie Darko
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Fubo
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fawesome, Philo, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.
Donnie Darko parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Donnie Darko is a dark psychological thriller involving a disturbed teen who commits crimes.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes disturbing imagery, an accident, arson, and a troubled teen committing crimes under psychological influence.
- Language: Moderate — Contains strong teen and adult profanity typical of an R-rated drama.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Donnie Darko
If you liked Donnie Darko, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Mulholland Drive (2001) — 87%: Another dreamlike mystery that refuses simple answers.
- The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) — 88%: Teen time-bending story with real emotion.
- A Ghost Story (2017) — 79%: Quiet, strange story about time and loss.
- Shutter Island (2010) — 91%: Twisty psychological thriller about a troubled mind.
- The Prestige (2006) — 95%: Clever mystery with a puzzle-box structure.
Director
Richard Kelly
Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko
- Jena Malone as Gretchen Ross
- James Duval as Frank
- Drew Barrymore as Karen Pomeroy
- Beth Grant as Kitty Farmer
- Maggie Gyllenhaal as Elizabeth Darko
- Mary McDonnell as Rose Darko
- Holmes Osborne as Eddie Darko
- Noah Wyle as Prof. Kenneth Monnitoff
- Katharine Ross as Dr. Lilian Thurman
Donnie Darko FAQ
Is Donnie Darko worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A strange, moody cult film about a troubled teenager, a man in a rabbit suit and a possible end of the world. Memorable and haunting, but the plot is deliberately puzzling and not everyone enjoys that.
Where can I watch Donnie Darko?
In the US you can stream Donnie Darko on Prime Video, Hulu and Fubo, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fawesome, Philo, The Roku Channel and Pluto TV and rent it from Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Donnie Darko OK for kids?
Donnie Darko is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Donnie Darko is a dark psychological thriller involving a disturbed teen who commits crimes.
What movies are like Donnie Darko?
If you liked Donnie Darko, try Mulholland Drive, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, A Ghost Story and Shutter Island.