Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Kernel Score: 89% · 10,781 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 2000-10-06
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is Requiem for a Dream worth watching?
Worth watching. A harrowing, brilliantly made film about four people whose addictions wreck their lives. It is among the most powerful anti-drug films but very hard to watch, with a dark and relentless ending.
Watch it if you
- can handle bleak, harsh drama
- admire intense filmmaking
- want a film that stays with you
Skip it if you
- are sensitive to drug use or self-harm
- want a hopeful story
Best for: Serious night alone
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Requiem for a Dream
- Stream: Peacock, Sundance Now
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island residents are shattered when their addictions run deep.
Requiem for a Dream parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that Requiem for a Dream is an unrated but intensely graphic drama about drug addiction with disturbing content throughout.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes disturbing hallucinations and graphic consequences of addiction.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Intense — The entire plot centers on the destructive drug addictions of four characters.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Requiem for a Dream
If you liked Requiem for a Dream, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Trainspotting (1996) — 88%: Darkly funny story of addiction.
- The Wrestler (2008) — 85%: Raw, sad drama about a man falling apart.
- Black Swan (2010) — 86%: Aronofsky's intense psychological drama.
- The Whale (2022) — 88%: Aronofsky's emotional drama about a man at his lowest.
- Fight Club (1999) — 96%: Dark, daring film about modern life.
Director
Cast
- Ellen Burstyn as Sara Goldfarb
- Jared Leto as Harry Goldfarb
- Jennifer Connelly as Marion Silver
- Marlon Wayans as Tyrone C. Love
- Christopher McDonald as Tappy Tibbons
- Louise Lasser as Ada
- Marcia Jean Kurtz as Rae
- Janet Sarno as Mrs. Pearlman
- Suzanne Shepherd as Mrs. Scarlini
- Joanne Gordon as Mrs. Ovadia
Requiem for a Dream FAQ
Is Requiem for a Dream worth watching?
Worth watching. A harrowing, brilliantly made film about four people whose addictions wreck their lives. It is among the most powerful anti-drug films but very hard to watch, with a dark and relentless ending.
Where can I watch Requiem for a Dream?
In the US you can stream Requiem for a Dream on Peacock and Sundance Now, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Requiem for a Dream OK for kids?
Requiem for a Dream is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Requiem for a Dream is an unrated but intensely graphic drama about drug addiction with disturbing content throughout.
What movies are like Requiem for a Dream?
If you liked Requiem for a Dream, try Trainspotting, The Wrestler, Black Swan and The Whale.