Knife in the Water (1962)
Kernel Score: 80% · 466 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Released: 1962-03-09
Runtime: 94 minutes
Where to watch Knife in the Water
- Stream: The Criterion Channel, HBO Max
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
On their way to an afternoon on the lake, husband and wife Andrzej and Krystyna nearly run over a young hitchhiker. Inviting the young man onto the boat with them, Andrzej begins to subtly torment him; the hitchhiker responds by making overtures toward Krystyna. When the hitchhiker is accidentally knocked overboard, the husband's panic results in unexpected consequences.
Knife in the Water parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that Knife in the Water is a tense Polish thriller about a married couple and a hitchhiker whose interactions turn manipulative and dangerous aboard a sailboat.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes psychological tension, intimidation with a knife, and an accidental near-drowning.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Implied romantic tension and overtures between the hitchhiker and the wife.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Knife in the Water
If you liked Knife in the Water, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- In the Bedroom (2001) — 76%
- True Spirit (2023) — 76%
- Detour (1945) — 81%
- Charlie St. Cloud (2010) — 78%
- Purple Noon (1960) — 86%
- Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) — 83%
- Remember (2015) — 82%
- Lifeboat (1944) — 84%
Director
Cast
- Leon Niemczyk as Andrzej
- Jolanta Umecka as Krystyna
- Zygmunt Malanowicz as Young Man
- Roman Polanski as Young Man (voice)
- Anna Ciepielewska as Krystyna (voice)
Knife in the Water FAQ
Is Knife in the Water good?
Knife in the Water has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 466 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Knife in the Water?
In the US you can stream Knife in the Water on The Criterion Channel and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Knife in the Water OK for kids?
Knife in the Water is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that Knife in the Water is a tense Polish thriller about a married couple and a hitchhiker whose interactions turn manipulative and dangerous aboard a sailboat.
What movies are like Knife in the Water?
If you liked Knife in the Water, try In the Bedroom, True Spirit, Detour and Charlie St. Cloud.