Misery (1990)

Kernel Score: 86% · 5,119 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Drama, Thriller

Released: 1990-11-30

Runtime: 107 minutes

Is Misery worth watching?

Must-watch. A novelist is held captive by his self-proclaimed biggest fan. Kathy Bates is terrifying, and the film builds its tension in one house with very little else. It's tight and effective.

Watch it if you

  • like psychological thrillers
  • enjoy great performances in a small setting
  • want suspense without a lot of gore

Skip it if you

  • are sensitive to scenes of captivity and violence
  • want fast action

Best for: Tense night in

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

Where to watch Misery

  • Stream: HBO Max
  • Rent: Spectrum On Demand
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

After an accident, acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued by a nurse who claims to be his biggest fan. Her obsession takes a dark turn when she holds him captive in her remote Colorado home and forces him to write back to life the popular literary character he killed off.

Misery parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Misery is an R-rated psychological thriller about an author held captive and tortured by an obsessed fan, featuring intense psychological terror.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Involves captivity, torture, and psychological terror inflicted by an obsessive, unstable captor.

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

Movies like Misery

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

  • The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — 89%: Tense captivity thriller with a chilling, memorable villain.
  • Psycho (1960) — 91%: Hitchcock's classic about a disturbed person in a quiet setting.
  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) — 93%: Great performances in a confined, controlled setting.
  • Shutter Island (2010) — 91%: Psychological thriller where nothing is quite what it seems.
  • Girl, Interrupted (1999) — 86%: Character-driven drama with sharp performances.
  • Stand by Me (1986) — 89%: Another Stephen King adaptation, this one gentle and human.

Director

Rob Reiner

Cast

  • Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes
  • James Caan as Paul Sheldon
  • Richard Farnsworth as Buster
  • Lauren Bacall as Marcia Sindell
  • Frances Sternhagen as Virginia
  • Graham Jarvis as Libby
  • Jerry Potter as Pete
  • Thomas Brunelle as Anchorman
  • June Christopher as Anchorwoman
  • Julie Payne as Reporter #1

Misery FAQ

Is Misery worth watching?

Must-watch. A novelist is held captive by his self-proclaimed biggest fan. Kathy Bates is terrifying, and the film builds its tension in one house with very little else. It's tight and effective.

Where can I watch Misery?

In the US you can stream Misery on HBO Max and rent it from Spectrum On Demand.

Is Misery OK for kids?

Misery is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Misery is an R-rated psychological thriller about an author held captive and tortured by an obsessed fan, featuring intense psychological terror.

What movies are like Misery?

If you liked Misery, try The Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Shutter Island.