Possession (1981)
Kernel Score: 83% · 1,283 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror
Released: 1981-05-27
Runtime: 124 minutes
Where to watch Possession
- Stream: Philo, Shudder, Shudder Apple TV channel, Kino Film Collection
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A young woman left her family for an unspecified reason. The husband determines to find out the truth and starts following his wife. At first, he suspects that a man is involved. But gradually, he finds out more and more strange behaviors and bizarre incidents that indicate something more than a possessed love affair.
Possession parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that Possession is an intense R-rated horror film with graphic gore, marital breakdown, and disturbing content.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Rated R horror with gore, hysteria, murder, and a monster; keywords indicate graphic and disturbing violent content.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Plot centers on adultery and an obsessive affair, with the film noted for explicit and unsettling sexual content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Possession
If you liked Possession, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Frenzy (1972) — 81%
- Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) — 82%
- Evil Dead Burn (2026) — 73%
- Suck Me Shakespeer (2013) — 79%
- Magical Girl (2014) — 83%
- Notes on a Scandal (2006) — 80%
Director
Andrzej Żuławski
Cast
- Isabelle Adjani as Anna / Helen
- Sam Neill as Mark
- Margit Carstensen as Margit Gluckmeister
- Heinz Bennent as Heinrich
- Johanna Hofer as Heinrich's Mother
- Carl Duering as Private Detective
- Shaun Lawton as Zimmermann
- Michael Hogben as Bob
- Maximilian Rüthlein as Man with Pink Socks
- Thomas Frey as Pink Sock's Acolyte
Possession FAQ
Is Possession good?
Possession has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,283 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Possession?
In the US you can stream Possession on Philo, Shudder, Shudder Apple TV channel and Kino Film Collection, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Possession OK for kids?
Possession is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Possession is an intense R-rated horror film with graphic gore, marital breakdown, and disturbing content.
What movies are like Possession?
If you liked Possession, try Frenzy, Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte, Evil Dead Burn and Suck Me Shakespeer.