K-PAX (2001)
Kernel Score: 80% · 2,679 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Science Fiction, Drama, Mystery
Released: 2001-10-26
Runtime: 120 minutes
Is K-PAX worth watching?
Worth watching. A patient claims to be an alien from another planet, and his psychiatrist can't quite dismiss him. Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges make it engaging, and it's more about hope and doubt than sci-fi action.
Watch it if you
- like thoughtful, low-key sci-fi
- enjoy mysteries about what's real
- want a feel-good, mind-bending drama
Skip it if you
- want action or special effects
- dislike ambiguity
Best for: Quiet thoughtful night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch K-PAX
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Prot is a patient at a mental hospital who claims to be from a far away planet. His psychiatrist tries to help him, only to begin to doubt his own explanations.
K-PAX parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that K-PAX is a PG-13 sci-fi drama about a mental patient claiming to be an alien, involving themes of murder and past trauma.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The plot touches on a robbery and murder investigation tied to the patient's past.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like K-PAX
If you liked K-PAX, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Arrival (2016) — 85%: Thoughtful, human-scale story about contact and meaning.
- Contact (1997) — 84%: Hopeful sci-fi about belief and evidence.
- Moon (2009) — 87%: Quiet, emotional sci-fi about a lone man.
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) — 93%: Psychiatric ward drama about sanity and who's really sick.
- Gattaca (1997) — 86%: Smart, human-centred sci-fi.
- The Prestige (2006) — 95%: Puzzle-like drama with a satisfying reveal.
Director
Iain Softley
Cast
- Jeff Bridges as Dr. Mark Powell
- Kevin Spacey as Prot
- Mary McCormack as Rachel Powell
- Alfre Woodard as Claudia Villars
- David Patrick Kelly as Howie
- Saul Williams as Ernie
- Peter Gerety as Sal
- Celia Weston as Mrs. Archer
- Ajay Naidu as Dr. Chakaraborty
- Tracy Vilar as Maria
K-PAX FAQ
Is K-PAX worth watching?
Worth watching. A patient claims to be an alien from another planet, and his psychiatrist can't quite dismiss him. Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges make it engaging, and it's more about hope and doubt than sci-fi action.
Where can I watch K-PAX?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is K-PAX OK for kids?
K-PAX is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that K-PAX is a PG-13 sci-fi drama about a mental patient claiming to be an alien, involving themes of murder and past trauma.
What movies are like K-PAX?
If you liked K-PAX, try Arrival, Contact, Moon and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.