Ed Wood (1994)
Kernel Score: 86% · 2,476 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama, History
Released: 1994-09-28
Runtime: 127 minutes
Is Ed Wood worth watching?
Must-watch. A funny, affectionate portrait of the director often called the worst ever. Johnny Depp and Martin Landau are terrific, and it celebrates enthusiasm over talent. Both critics and viewers rate it highly.
Watch it if you
- love movies about moviemaking
- enjoy offbeat, affectionate biopics
- like Tim Burton's quirkier work
Skip it if you
- want a conventional, faithful biopic
- dislike black-and-white films
Best for: Movie lovers' night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Ed Wood
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
The mostly true story of the legendary "worst director of all time", who, with the help of his strange friends, filmed countless B-movies without ever becoming famous or successful.
Ed Wood parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Ed Wood is an R-rated biographical comedy-drama featuring drug addiction, cross-dressing themes, and firearms.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Minor use of a handgun is depicted but the film is not violence-focused.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Includes drug addiction and morphine use as a plot element.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ed Wood
If you liked Ed Wood, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990) — 86%: Tim Burton and Johnny Depp again, with a gentle, misfit hero.
- Big Fish (2003) — 87%: Burton at his most heartfelt, celebrating a dreamer's tall tales.
- Beetlejuice (1988) — 84%: Burton's darkly comic, wonderfully strange cult favorite.
- Man on the Moon (1999) — 82%: A comic biopic about an eccentric performer who ignored convention.
- The Favourite (2018) — 83%: Dark, witty period comedy with outsized personalities.
- Saving Mr. Banks (2013) — 82%: A behind-the-scenes look at a famous creative project.
Director
Cast
- Johnny Depp as Ed Wood
- Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi
- Sarah Jessica Parker as Dolores Fuller
- Patricia Arquette as Kathy O'Hara
- Jeffrey Jones as Criswell
- G.D. Spradlin as Reverend Lemon
- Vincent D'Onofrio as Orson Welles
- Bill Murray as Bunny Breckinridge
- Mike Starr as Georgie Weiss
- Max Casella as Paul Marco
Ed Wood FAQ
Is Ed Wood worth watching?
Must-watch. A funny, affectionate portrait of the director often called the worst ever. Johnny Depp and Martin Landau are terrific, and it celebrates enthusiasm over talent. Both critics and viewers rate it highly.
Where can I watch Ed Wood?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Ed Wood OK for kids?
Ed Wood is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Ed Wood is an R-rated biographical comedy-drama featuring drug addiction, cross-dressing themes, and firearms.
What movies are like Ed Wood?
If you liked Ed Wood, try Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish, Beetlejuice and Man on the Moon.