Insomnia (2002)
Kernel Score: 76% · 5,192 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Released: 2002-05-24
Runtime: 118 minutes
Is Insomnia worth watching?
Worth watching. Al Pacino plays a detective who can't sleep under Alaska's endless daylight while hunting a killer. It's a moody, well-acted thriller, though lower-key than Nolan's later films.
Watch it if you
- like slow-burn crime thrillers
- enjoy actors like Pacino and Robin Williams playing against type
- want a thoughtful take on guilt
Skip it if you
- want big action
- expect Nolan's twistier, flashier films
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Insomnia
- Stream: Apple TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Two Los Angeles homicide detectives are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn't set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.
Insomnia parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Insomnia is an R-rated crime thriller about detectives investigating a murder, involving guilt, blackmail, and a shootout.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Involves a homicide investigation, a shootout, and murder as central plot elements, per its R rating.
- Language: Some — R-rated crime drama likely contains moderate strong language typical of the genre.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Insomnia
If you liked Insomnia, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Se7en (1995) — 92%: Dark detective story about guilt and a patient killer.
- Memento (2000) — 96%: Nolan's earlier, more intense study of a fractured mind.
- Insomnia (1997) — 78%: The Norwegian original this film remakes.
- The Prestige (2006) — 95%: Nolan thriller about obsession and deception.
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — 89%: Hunter and hunted in a tense, character-led thriller.
- Memories of Murder (2003) — 89%: Slow, atmospheric murder investigation that wears on the detective.
Director
Cast
- Al Pacino as Will Dormer
- Robin Williams as Walter Finch
- Hilary Swank as Ellie Burr
- Martin Donovan as Hap Eckhart
- Nicky Katt as Fred Duggar
- Maura Tierney as Rachel Clement
- Paul Dooley as Chief Nyback
- Jonathan Jackson as Randy Stetz
- Katharine Isabelle as Tanya Francke
- Larry Holden as Farrell
Insomnia FAQ
Is Insomnia worth watching?
Worth watching. Al Pacino plays a detective who can't sleep under Alaska's endless daylight while hunting a killer. It's a moody, well-acted thriller, though lower-key than Nolan's later films.
Where can I watch Insomnia?
In the US you can stream Insomnia on Apple TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Insomnia OK for kids?
Insomnia is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Insomnia is an R-rated crime thriller about detectives investigating a murder, involving guilt, blackmail, and a shootout.
What movies are like Insomnia?
If you liked Insomnia, try Se7en, Memento, Insomnia and The Prestige.