Poor Things (2023)
Kernel Score: 85% · 5,335 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Comedy
Released: 2023-12-07
Runtime: 141 minutes
Is Poor Things worth watching?
Worth watching. A bizarre, inventive and funny story of a woman brought back to life who sets out to see the world. Emma Stone is superb and the sets are wild. It's explicit and strange, and rewards viewers who like to be challenged.
Watch it if you
- like weird, ambitious films
- enjoy strong performances
- want a darkly funny fantasy
Skip it if you
- dislike explicit scenes
- want a conventional story
Best for: Adult night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Poor Things
- Stream: Hulu
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
Poor Things parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Poor Things is an R-rated adult fantasy with explicit sexual content, nudity, and mature themes of exploitation and awakening.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes depicted cruelty and domestic abuse themes.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Intense — Contains explicit sexual content and nudity including masturbation and prostitution as plot elements.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Poor Things
If you liked Poor Things, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Favourite (2018) — 83%: Same director's sharp, cruel period comedy.
- The Lobster (2015) — 79%: Same director's deadpan dystopian romance.
- Bugonia (2025) — 83%: Another strange, dark film by the same director.
- The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) — 77%: Same director in colder, more disturbing mode.
- Dogtooth (2009) — 78%: Same director's earlier strange family drama.
- Palm Springs (2020) — 83%: Offbeat romantic comedy with a weird twist.
Director
Cast
- Emma Stone as Bella Baxter
- Mark Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn
- Willem Dafoe as Godwin Baxter
- Ramy Youssef as Max McCandles
- Christopher Abbott as Alfie Blessington
- Suzy Bemba as Toinette
- Jerrod Carmichael as Harry Astley
- Kathryn Hunter as Swiney
- Vicki Pepperdine as Mrs. Prim
- Hanna Schygulla as Martha Von Kurtzroc
Poor Things FAQ
Is Poor Things worth watching?
Worth watching. A bizarre, inventive and funny story of a woman brought back to life who sets out to see the world. Emma Stone is superb and the sets are wild. It's explicit and strange, and rewards viewers who like to be challenged.
Where can I watch Poor Things?
In the US you can stream Poor Things on Hulu and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Poor Things OK for kids?
Poor Things is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Poor Things is an R-rated adult fantasy with explicit sexual content, nudity, and mature themes of exploitation and awakening.
What movies are like Poor Things?
If you liked Poor Things, try The Favourite, The Lobster, Bugonia and The Killing of a Sacred Deer.