Holy Spider (2022)
Kernel Score: 82% · 495 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Thriller, Drama, Crime, Horror
Released: 2022-07-13
Runtime: 118 minutes
Where to watch Holy Spider
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Pijama Films
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
A journalist descends into the dark underbelly of the Iranian holy city of Mashhad as she investigates the serial killings of sex workers by the so called "Spider Killer", who believes he is cleansing the streets of sinners.
Holy Spider parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that this NR crime thriller graphically depicts the serial murders of sex workers and is intense throughout.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Depicts a serial killer strangling sex workers based on a true story; disturbing and graphic content throughout.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Involves prostitution and sex workers as central plot elements with some sexual content implied.
- Language: Moderate — Strong language expected given the crime thriller genre and disturbing subject matter.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Holy Spider
If you liked Holy Spider, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Stoning of Soraya M. (2009) — 88%
- All Three of Us (2015) — 86%
- It Was Just an Accident (2025) — 80%
- Nothing But the Truth (2008) — 76%
- 10 Rillington Place (1971) — 82%
- Cure (1997) — 84%
- M (1931) — 90%
- Memories of Murder (2003) — 89%
Director
Ali Abbasi
Cast
- Zar Amir Ebrahimi as Rahimi
- Mehdi Bajestani as Saeed
- Arash Ashtiani as Sharifi
- Forouzan Jamshidnejad as Fatima
- Sina Parvaneh as Rostami
- Nima Akbarpour as Judge
- Sara Fazilat as Zinab
- Alice Rahimi as Somayeh
- Ali Nazarian as Lawyer
- Sima Seyed as Saeed's Mother
Holy Spider FAQ
Is Holy Spider good?
Holy Spider has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 495 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Holy Spider?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home and Pijama Films.
Is Holy Spider OK for kids?
Holy Spider is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that this NR crime thriller graphically depicts the serial murders of sex workers and is intense throughout.
What movies are like Holy Spider?
If you liked Holy Spider, try The Stoning of Soraya M., All Three of Us, It Was Just an Accident and Nothing But the Truth.