F for Fake (1973)

Kernel Score: 84% · 356 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Documentary

Released: 1973-09-01

Runtime: 89 minutes

Where to watch F for Fake

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Documents the lives of infamous fakers Elmyr de Hory and Clifford Irving. De Hory, who later committed suicide to avoid more prison time, made his name by selling forged works of art by painters like Picasso and Matisse. Irving was infamous for writing a fake autobiography of Howard Hughes. Welles moves between documentary and fiction as he examines the fundamental elements of fraud and the people who commit fraud at the expense of others.

F for Fake parents' guide: ages 8+

Parents need to know that F for Fake is a documentary about famous art forgers and deception, with mature themes of fraud.

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

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Director

Orson Welles

Cast

  • Orson Welles as Self
  • Oja Kodar as The Girl
  • Elmyr de Hory as Self
  • Clifford Irving as Self
  • Laurence Harvey as Self
  • Edith Irving as Self
  • David Walsh as Self
  • Paul Stewart as Self
  • Richard Wilson as Self
  • Joseph Cotten as Self

F for Fake FAQ

Is F for Fake good?

F for Fake has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 356 audience ratings.

Where can I watch F for Fake?

In the US you can stream F for Fake on The Criterion Channel and HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.

Is F for Fake OK for kids?

F for Fake is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that F for Fake is a documentary about famous art forgers and deception, with mature themes of fraud.

What movies are like F for Fake?

If you liked F for Fake, try Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse, Exit Through the Gift Shop, Fyre and Sans Soleil.