Fanny and Alexander (1982)
Kernel Score: 87% · 858 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Mystery
Released: 1982-12-17
Runtime: 188 minutes
Where to watch Fanny and Alexander
- Stream: HBO Max
- Free with ads: Shout! Factory TV, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
As children in the loving Ekdahl family, Fanny and Alexander enjoy a happy life with their parents, who run a theater company. After their father dies unexpectedly, however, the siblings end up in a joyless home when their mother, Emilie, marries a stern bishop. The bleak situation gradually grows worse as the bishop becomes more controlling, but dedicated relatives make a valiant attempt to aid Emilie, Fanny and Alexander.
Fanny and Alexander parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Fanny and Alexander is an R-rated Swedish drama involving child abuse, death of a parent, and a dysfunctional, controlling stepfather, with heavy emotional themes.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes depiction of child abuse and psychological cruelty within a controlling household.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Fanny and Alexander
If you liked Fanny and Alexander, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Sixth Sense (1999) — 89%
- Closet Monster (2016) — 78%
- Donnie Darko (2001) — 87%
- The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (1976) — 78%
- Cries and Whispers (1972) — 88%
- Mystic River (2003) — 89%
- The Secret Life of Bees (2008) — 86%
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) — 84%
Director
Cast
- Bertil Guve as Alexander Ekdahl
- Pernilla Allwin as Fanny Ekdahl
- Jan Malmsjö as Bishop Edvard Vergerus
- Ewa Fröling as Emilie Ekdahl
- Gunn Wållgren as Helena Ekdahl
- Börje Ahlstedt as Carl Ekdahl
- Anna Bergman as Hanna Schwartz
- Kristina Adolphson as Siri
- Erland Josephson as Isak Jacobi
- Mats Bergman as Aron Retzinsky
Fanny and Alexander FAQ
Is Fanny and Alexander good?
Fanny and Alexander has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 858 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Fanny and Alexander?
In the US you can stream Fanny and Alexander on HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Shout! Factory TV, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Fanny and Alexander OK for kids?
Fanny and Alexander is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Fanny and Alexander is an R-rated Swedish drama involving child abuse, death of a parent, and a dysfunctional, controlling stepfather, with heavy emotional themes.
What movies are like Fanny and Alexander?
If you liked Fanny and Alexander, try The Sixth Sense, Closet Monster, Donnie Darko and The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane.