Nightmare Alley (1947)
Kernel Score: 78% · 231 TMDB ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Released: 1947-10-09
Runtime: 111 minutes
Where to watch Nightmare Alley
- Stream: YouTube TV
- Buy: Apple TV
US availability, updated 2026-11-12.
Overview
A roustabout joins a traveling carny and schemes to figure out the mind-reading act of Mademoiselle Zeena and her alcoholic husband.
Nightmare Alley parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this classic film noir involves con artistry, alcoholism, and carnival deception.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Noir crime elements with con schemes but limited depicted violence.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Features an alcoholic character whose drinking is central to the plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Nightmare Alley
If you liked Nightmare Alley, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Brute Force (1947) — 80%
- The Night of the Hunter (1955) — 89%
- Nightmare Alley (2021) — 77%
- The Lost Weekend (1945) — 85%
- Special 26 (2013) — 82%
- The Lady from Shanghai (1947) — 82%
- Odd Man Out (1947) — 82%
- The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — 84%
Director
Edmund Goulding
Cast
- Tyrone Power as Stanton 'Stan' Carlisle
- Helen Walker as Lilith Ritter
- Coleen Gray as Molly Carlisle
- Joan Blondell as Zeena Krumbein
- Taylor Holmes as Ezra Grindle
- Mike Mazurki as Bruno
- Ian Keith as Pete Krumbein
- Roy Roberts as McGraw / Final Carnival Owner (uncredited)
- Florence Auer as Jane (uncredited)
- Bonnie Bannon as Knife Thrower's Assistant (uncredited)
Nightmare Alley FAQ
Is Nightmare Alley good?
Nightmare Alley has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch Nightmare Alley?
In the US you can stream Nightmare Alley on YouTube TV and buy it from Apple TV.
Is Nightmare Alley OK for kids?
Nightmare Alley is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this classic film noir involves con artistry, alcoholism, and carnival deception.
What movies are like Nightmare Alley?
If you liked Nightmare Alley, try Brute Force, The Night of the Hunter, Nightmare Alley and The Lost Weekend.