Red Dragon (2002)
Kernel Score: 80% · 4,633 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Thriller, Horror
Released: 2002-10-02
Runtime: 124 minutes
Is Red Dragon worth watching?
Worth watching. A solid, polished serial-killer thriller with strong actors. It doesn't match Silence of the Lambs, but it's well paced and easy to follow.
Watch it if you
- like Hannibal Lecter stories
- enjoy FBI serial killer thrillers
- want a polished crime thriller
Skip it if you
- want something fresh or surprising
- dislike gruesome crime scenes
Best for: Thriller night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Red Dragon
- Stream: Netflix, Peacock
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Former FBI Agent Will Graham, who was once almost killed by the savage Hannibal 'The Cannibal' Lecter, now has no choice but to face him again, as it seems Lecter is the only one who can help Graham track down a new serial killer.
Red Dragon parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Red Dragon is an intense R-rated thriller featuring a cannibalistic serial killer and graphic violence.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — The film features murder, cannibalism, and disturbing violence carried out by a serial killer and FBI investigation into his crimes.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Red Dragon
If you liked Red Dragon, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — 89%: The classic Lecter film
- Manhunter (1986) — 78%: The earlier adaptation of the same story
- Cure (1997) — 84%: Creepy Japanese serial-killer thriller
- No Country for Old Men (2007) — 94%: Relentless killer on the loose
- The House That Jack Built (2018) — 81%: Dark, disturbing serial-killer story
Director
Cast
- Edward Norton as Will Graham
- Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter
- Ralph Fiennes as Francis Dolarhyde
- Emily Watson as Reba McClane
- Harvey Keitel as Jack Crawford
- Philip Seymour Hoffman as Freddy Lounds
- Anthony Heald as Dr. Chilton
- Mary-Louise Parker as Molly Graham
- Tyler Patrick Jones as Josh Graham
- Ken Leung as Lloyd Bowman
Red Dragon FAQ
Is Red Dragon worth watching?
Worth watching. A solid, polished serial-killer thriller with strong actors. It doesn't match Silence of the Lambs, but it's well paced and easy to follow.
Where can I watch Red Dragon?
In the US you can stream Red Dragon on Netflix and Peacock and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Red Dragon OK for kids?
Red Dragon is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Red Dragon is an intense R-rated thriller featuring a cannibalistic serial killer and graphic violence.
What movies are like Red Dragon?
If you liked Red Dragon, try The Silence of the Lambs, Manhunter, Cure and No Country for Old Men.