Monster (2003)
Kernel Score: 83% · 2,493 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 2003-12-24
Runtime: 109 minutes
Is Monster worth watching?
Worth watching. Charlize Theron plays the real-life killer Aileen Wuornos in a bleak, harrowing true-crime drama. Her transformation is the main reason to watch, and the film is hard going.
Watch it if you
- admire great transformative acting
- like true-crime drama
- can handle dark subject matter
Skip it if you
- can't watch sexual violence
- want a feel-good evening
Best for: Serious solo watch
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Monster
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 1989, prostitute Aileen Wuornos befriends and enters a relationship with a young woman named Selby. Determined to straighten out her life, Aileen's limited education lands her back on the corner. She's raped by a trick, who she kills. A string of murder and robbery follows that ultimately leads Aileen to becoming America's first female serial killer.
Monster parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Monster is an R-rated true-crime drama about a prostitute turned serial killer, containing rape, murder, and sexual abuse.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Depicts murder, serial killing, and violent confrontations based on a true story.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Includes prostitution, rape, and sexual abuse as central plot elements.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Monster
If you liked Monster, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) — 77%: True story of a real killer
- Holy Spider (2022) — 82%: Disturbing true-crime drama
- 10 Rillington Place (1971) — 82%: Grim true-crime story
- Cape Fear (1991) — 84%: Dark, tense thriller
- Just Mercy (2019) — 87%: Powerful true-story drama about injustice
Director
Patty Jenkins
Cast
- Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos
- Christina Ricci as Selby Wall
- Bruce Dern as Thomas
- Lee Tergesen as Vincent Corey
- Annie Corley as Donna
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as Gene / Stuttering "John"
- Marco St. John as Evan / Undercover "John"
- Marc Macaulay as Will / Daddy "John"
- Scott Wilson as Horton / Last "John"
- Rus Blackwell as Cop
Monster FAQ
Is Monster worth watching?
Worth watching. Charlize Theron plays the real-life killer Aileen Wuornos in a bleak, harrowing true-crime drama. Her transformation is the main reason to watch, and the film is hard going.
Where can I watch Monster?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Monster OK for kids?
Monster is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Monster is an R-rated true-crime drama about a prostitute turned serial killer, containing rape, murder, and sexual abuse.
What movies are like Monster?
If you liked Monster, try Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Holy Spider, 10 Rillington Place and Cape Fear.