It (2017)
Kernel Score: 81% · 20,127 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama
Released: 2017-09-06
Runtime: 135 minutes
Is It worth watching?
Worth watching. This version of the Stephen King story is at its best when seven kids are bantering and bonding, and the clown scares land well. It's R-rated, has real nastiness, and fades when the monster takes over.
Watch it if you
- like horror built around a group of friends
- enjoy a creepy villain
- want scares with a coming-of-age feel
Skip it if you
- are uneasy about horror aimed at children
- dislike jump scares and gore
Best for: Group watch at night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch It
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In a small town in Maine, seven children known as The Losers Club come face to face with life problems, bullies and a monster that takes the shape of a clown called Pennywise.
It parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that It is an R-rated horror film featuring a child-targeting monster, bullying, and disturbing violent imagery.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Features a supernatural killer clown terrorizing and killing children, with intense horror imagery and bullying scenes.
- Language: Moderate — Contains strong language consistent with its R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like It
If you liked It, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Black Phone (2022) — 87%: Another horror film that puts scared kids against an evil man
- The Conjuring (2013) — 90%: Reliable, polished scares in a haunted setting
- The Orphanage (2007) — 82%: Spooky, sad ghost story involving a child
- Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: A slow-building classic of dread
- Sleepy Hollow (1999) — 80%: Gothic horror with a strong visual style
- Run (2020) — 79%: Tight thriller where a child is in danger
Director
Andy Muschietti
Cast
- Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough
- Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben Hanscom
- Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh
- Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier
- Chosen Jacobs as Mike Hanlon
- Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak
- Wyatt Oleff as Stanley Uris
- Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise
- Nicholas Hamilton as Henry Bowers
- Jake Sim as Belch Huggins
It FAQ
Is It worth watching?
Worth watching. This version of the Stephen King story is at its best when seven kids are bantering and bonding, and the clown scares land well. It's R-rated, has real nastiness, and fades when the monster takes over.
Where can I watch It?
In the US you can stream It on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is It OK for kids?
It is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that It is an R-rated horror film featuring a child-targeting monster, bullying, and disturbing violent imagery.
What movies are like It?
If you liked It, try The Black Phone, The Conjuring, The Orphanage and Rosemary's Baby.