M3GAN (2022)

Kernel Score: 79% · 4,694 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Science Fiction, Horror

Released: 2022-12-28

Runtime: 102 minutes

Is M3GAN worth watching?

Worth watching. A knowingly silly horror about a killer toy robot, with enough scares and dark humour to be fun. It doesn't aim for deep, and that's fine.

Watch it if you

  • want a fun, light horror
  • like killer-doll movies
  • enjoy dark humour with your scares

Skip it if you

  • want truly frightening horror
  • dislike campy tone

Best for: Night in with friends

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch M3GAN

  • Stream: Netflix, YouTube TV
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A brilliant toy company roboticist uses artificial intelligence to develop M3GAN, a life-like doll programmed to emotionally bond with her newly orphaned niece. But when the doll's programming works too well, she becomes overprotective of her new friend with terrifying results.

M3GAN parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that M3GAN is a PG-13 horror-thriller about a killer AI doll, with suicide-adjacent themes, violence, and a dead pet/parents backstory.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Slasher-style violence from a killer robot doll, including a dog attack and a character hit by a car; intense for a PG-13 film per reviewer comments.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like M3GAN

If you liked M3GAN, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • M3GAN 2.0 (2025) — 81%: The direct sequel with the same killer doll
  • Upgrade (2018) — 86%: Smart, nasty sci-fi about technology gone wrong
  • Companion (2025) — 78%: Dark, funny story about a robot that goes wrong
  • Alien (1979) — 96%: The classic of cold, scary sci-fi
  • The Fly (1986) — 86%: Horror and technology collide in a body-horror classic
  • A Quiet Place (2018) — 83%: Tight, scary family-centred horror

Director

Gerard Johnstone

Cast

  • Allison Williams as Gemma
  • Violet McGraw as Cady
  • Amie Donald as M3gan
  • Jenna Davis as M3gan (voice)
  • Ronny Chieng as David
  • Brian Jordan Alvarez as Cole
  • Jen Van Epps as Tess
  • Stephane Garneau-Monten as Kurt
  • Lori Dungey as Celia
  • Amy Usherwood as Lydia

M3GAN FAQ

Is M3GAN worth watching?

Worth watching. A knowingly silly horror about a killer toy robot, with enough scares and dark humour to be fun. It doesn't aim for deep, and that's fine.

Where can I watch M3GAN?

In the US you can stream M3GAN on Netflix and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is M3GAN OK for kids?

M3GAN is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that M3GAN is a PG-13 horror-thriller about a killer AI doll, with suicide-adjacent themes, violence, and a dead pet/parents backstory.

What movies are like M3GAN?

If you liked M3GAN, try M3GAN 2.0, Upgrade, Companion and Alien.