Heretic (2024)
Kernel Score: 78% · 2,506 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Thriller, Horror
Released: 2024-10-31
Runtime: 111 minutes
Is Heretic worth watching?
Worth watching. Two missionaries knock on the wrong door and Hugh Grant's polite, chatty host turns it into a deadly debate on faith. It's talky, creepy and often funny, with a sharp central performance.
Watch it if you
- like confined, dialogue-heavy horror
- enjoy Hugh Grant playing against type
- want a cat-and-mouse game
Skip it if you
- want non-stop scares
- dislike debates about religion
Best for: Date night, lights down
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Heretic
- Stream: Hulu, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Heretic parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Heretic is an R-rated horror-thriller about two young missionaries held captive by a psychologically manipulative, dangerous man.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Described by reviewers as 'gruesome' and 'bizarre,' the film involves captivity, psychological predation and a deadly cat-and-mouse game.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — No explicit sexual content in the signals, though the film explores unsettling manipulation and control themes.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Heretic
If you liked Heretic, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Get Out (2017) — 88%: Smart horror built on creeping dread and a polite host
- Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: Slow-building paranoia around belief
- Don't Breathe (2016) — 79%: Trapped in a house with a dangerous man
- I Saw the Devil (2010) — 88%: Cat-and-mouse with a sadistic villain
- The Shining (1980) — 95%: Isolated horror with a charismatic menace
- The Conjuring (2013) — 90%: Effective, classic haunted-house horror
Director
Scott Beck
Cast
- Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed
- Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes
- Chloe East as Sister Paxton
- Topher Grace as Elder Kennedy
- Elle Young as Prophet
- Julie Lynn-Mortensen as Pedestrian
- Haylie Hansen as Teenager
- Elle McKinnon as Teenager
- Hanna Huffman as Teenager
- Anesha Bailey as Neighbor
Heretic FAQ
Is Heretic worth watching?
Worth watching. Two missionaries knock on the wrong door and Hugh Grant's polite, chatty host turns it into a deadly debate on faith. It's talky, creepy and often funny, with a sharp central performance.
Where can I watch Heretic?
In the US you can stream Heretic on Hulu and Cinemax Apple TV channel, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel and Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Heretic OK for kids?
Heretic is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Heretic is an R-rated horror-thriller about two young missionaries held captive by a psychologically manipulative, dangerous man.
What movies are like Heretic?
If you liked Heretic, try Get Out, Rosemary's Baby, Don't Breathe and I Saw the Devil.