Martyrs (2008)

Kernel Score: 83% · 2,965 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller

Released: 2008-06-12

Runtime: 99 minutes

Is Martyrs worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A French horror film so extreme it is hard to recommend casually. It is serious and has a real point of view, but the violence and cruelty are severe and it will be too much for most viewers.

Watch it if you

  • are a hardened horror fan
  • like challenging, extreme cinema
  • can handle sustained brutality

Skip it if you

  • dislike graphic violence or torture
  • want an entertaining scare

Best for: Brave solo watch

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

Where to watch Martyrs

  • Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
  • Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A young woman’s quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tortured her as a child leads her and her best friend, also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity.

Martyrs parents' guide: ages 16+

Parents need to know that Martyrs is an extremely graphic R-rated horror film centered on torture and child abuse.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Reviewers describe large amounts of repeated, gratuitous violence and torture throughout the film.

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

Movies like Martyrs

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

  • Ghostland (2018) — 84%: Same director's unsettling horror about trauma
  • Irreversible (2002) — 80%: Harsh French film that does not look away
  • Funny Games (1997) — 81%: Cold, confrontational film about violence
  • The House That Jack Built (2018) — 81%: Provocative film about cruelty as art
  • Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: Classic horror built on dread rather than gore
  • The Skin I Live In (2011) — 85%: Disturbing, stylish thriller about cruelty and obsession

Director

Pascal Laugier

Cast

  • Morjana Alaoui as Anna Assaoui
  • Mylène Jampanoï as Lucie Jurin
  • Catherine Bégin as Mademoiselle
  • Robert Toupin as Father
  • Patricia Tulasne as Mother
  • Juliette Gosselin as Marie
  • Xavier Dolan as Antoine
  • Jean-Marie Moncelet as Étienne
  • Jessie Pham as Young Lucie
  • Erika Scott as Young Anna

Martyrs FAQ

Is Martyrs worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A French horror film so extreme it is hard to recommend casually. It is serious and has a real point of view, but the violence and cruelty are severe and it will be too much for most viewers.

Where can I watch Martyrs?

In the US you can rent it from Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Is Martyrs OK for kids?

Martyrs is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Martyrs is an extremely graphic R-rated horror film centered on torture and child abuse.

What movies are like Martyrs?

If you liked Martyrs, try Ghostland, Irreversible, Funny Games and The House That Jack Built.