Room (2015)
Kernel Score: 89% · 9,589 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Released: 2015-10-16
Runtime: 118 minutes
Is Room worth watching?
Must-watch. A deeply affecting drama about a woman and her five-year-old son held in a single room, and then what freedom means. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay are exceptional. It is hard going but hopeful.
Watch it if you
- like serious character-led drama
- admire great child and adult performances
- can handle a heavy subject
Skip it if you
- are sensitive to stories of abuse and captivity
- want an easy, light watch
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Room
- Stream: HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Held captive for 7 years in an enclosed space, a woman and her young son finally gain their freedom, allowing the boy to experience the outside world for the first time.
Room parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that Room depicts a kidnapping victim's captivity and its psychological aftermath, rated R.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts the aftermath of kidnapping and years of imprisonment, though violence is largely implied rather than shown.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Room
If you liked Room, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) — 77%: Tense story of two people held in a confined space
- Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey (2018) — 88%: True story of a young person who was abducted
- Girl in the Basement (2021) — 85%: Another story about a woman held captive
- Nocturnal Animals (2016) — 83%: Tense drama about the cost of past choices
- Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) — 85%: Powerful prison drama about a lonely life inside walls
Director
Lenny Abrahamson
Cast
- Brie Larson as Ma
- Jacob Tremblay as Jack
- Joan Allen as Nancy
- Sean Bridgers as Old Nick
- Tom McCamus as Leo
- William H. Macy as Robert
- Cas Anvar as Dr. Mittal
- Amanda Brugel as Officer Parker
- Wendy Crewson as Talk Show Hostess
- Joe Pingue as Officer Grabowski
Room FAQ
Is Room worth watching?
Must-watch. A deeply affecting drama about a woman and her five-year-old son held in a single room, and then what freedom means. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay are exceptional. It is hard going but hopeful.
Where can I watch Room?
In the US you can stream Room on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Room OK for kids?
Room is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that Room depicts a kidnapping victim's captivity and its psychological aftermath, rated R.
What movies are like Room?
If you liked Room, try 10 Cloverfield Lane, Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey, Girl in the Basement and Nocturnal Animals.