Orphan (2009)
Kernel Score: 79% · 5,580 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Released: 2009-07-24
Runtime: 123 minutes
Is Orphan worth watching?
Worth watching. A nasty, fun horror film about a couple who adopt a very strange girl. It plays the shocks hard, and the young lead is excellent. Some of it is silly, but genre fans will have a good time.
Watch it if you
- like creepy-child horror
- enjoy twisty thrillers
- want a straightforward scare
Skip it if you
- dislike disturbing material about children
- want subtle horror
Best for: Horror night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Orphan
- Stream: HBO Max
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After losing their baby, a married couple adopt 9-year old Esther, who may not be as innocent as she seems.
Orphan parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Orphan is an R-rated psychological horror-thriller involving a disturbing adopted child and intense violence.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — R-rated horror/thriller involving a dangerous, evil child character; scenes of graphic and disturbing violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Orphan
If you liked Orphan, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: Classic about a mother who can't trust her child.
- The Conjuring (2013) — 90%: Popular modern haunted-family horror.
- Bring Her Back (2025) — 83%: Disturbing family horror with a creepy child.
- The Shining (1980) — 95%: Family trapped by a menace, in a classic.
- Get Out (2017) — 88%: Smart thriller with twisty menace.
Director
Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast
- Vera Farmiga as Kate
- Peter Sarsgaard as John
- Isabelle Fuhrman as Esther
- CCH Pounder as Sister Abigail
- Jimmy Bennett as Daniel
- Margo Martindale as Dr. Browning
- Karel Roden as Dr. Värava
- Aryana Engineer as Max
- Rosemary Dunsmore as Grandma Barbara
- Jamie Young as Brenda
Orphan FAQ
Is Orphan worth watching?
Worth watching. A nasty, fun horror film about a couple who adopt a very strange girl. It plays the shocks hard, and the young lead is excellent. Some of it is silly, but genre fans will have a good time.
Where can I watch Orphan?
In the US you can stream Orphan on HBO Max, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Orphan OK for kids?
Orphan is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Orphan is an R-rated psychological horror-thriller involving a disturbing adopted child and intense violence.
What movies are like Orphan?
If you liked Orphan, try Rosemary's Baby, The Conjuring, Bring Her Back and The Shining.