Naked Lunch (1991)

Kernel Score: 78% · 1,179 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Crime, Drama

Released: 1991-12-27

Runtime: 115 minutes

Overview

Blank-faced bug killer Bill Lee and his dead-eyed wife, Joan, like to get high on Bill's pest poisons while lounging with Beat poet pals. After meeting the devilish Dr. Benway, Bill gets a drug made from a centipede. Upon indulging, he accidentally kills Joan, takes orders from his typewriter-turned-cockroach, ends up in a constantly mutating Mediterranean city and learns that his hip friends have published his work -- which he doesn't remember writing.

Naked Lunch parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Naked Lunch is an R-rated film centered on drug use, hallucination, and dark surreal content.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes an accidental killing and unsettling surreal violent imagery.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: Intense — Central plot involves characters getting high on drugs and experiencing hallucinations.

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

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Director

David Cronenberg

Cast

Naked Lunch FAQ

Is Naked Lunch good?

Naked Lunch has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,179 audience ratings.

Is Naked Lunch OK for kids?

Naked Lunch is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Naked Lunch is an R-rated film centered on drug use, hallucination, and dark surreal content.

What movies are like Naked Lunch?

If you liked Naked Lunch, try The Basketball Diaries, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, I Can Quit Whenever I Want 2: Masterclass and The Green Mile.