King Kong (1933)
Kernel Score: 85% · 1,586 ratings
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Horror
Released: 1933-03-15
Runtime: 104 minutes
Where to watch King Kong
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Adventurous filmmaker Carl Denham sets out to produce a motion picture unlike anything the world has seen before. Alongside his leading lady Ann Darrow and his first mate Jack Driscoll, they arrive on an island and discover a legendary creature said to be neither beast nor man. Denham captures the monster to be displayed on Broadway as King Kong, the eighth wonder of the world.
King Kong parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that King Kong (1933) is a classic adventure-horror film with a giant ape and dinosaurs attacking and killing sailors and islanders.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Natives and sailors are bitten, trampled, and eaten by Kong and dinosaurs; a reviewer notes the violence is more intense than expected for its era.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like King Kong
If you liked King Kong, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) — 84%
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) — 87%
- Jason and the Argonauts (1963) — 80%
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) — 83%
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) — 80%
- Deep Water (2026) — 68%
- Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) — 85%
- Godzilla (1954) — 87%
Director
Ernest B. Schoedsack
Cast
- Robert Armstrong as Carl Denham
- Fay Wray as Ann Darrow
- Bruce Cabot as Jack Driscoll
- Frank Reicher as Captain Englehorn
- Victor Wong as Ship's Cook Charlie
- James Flavin as Mate Briggs
- Sam Hardy as Charles Weston
- Noble Johnson as Skull Island Native Chief
- Steve Clemente as Skull Island Witch Doctor
- Roscoe Ates as Press Photographer (uncredited)
King Kong FAQ
Is King Kong good?
King Kong has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,586 audience ratings.
Where can I watch King Kong?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is King Kong OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that King Kong (1933) is a classic adventure-horror film with a giant ape and dinosaurs attacking and killing sailors and islanders.
What movies are like King Kong?
If you liked King Kong, try Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Jason and the Argonauts and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.