Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Kernel Score: 80% · 7,264 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Fantasy, Thriller, Mystery, Horror
Released: 1999-11-19
Runtime: 105 minutes
Is Sleepy Hollow worth watching?
Worth watching. A gothic horror with beautiful, spooky visuals and a funny Johnny Depp as an odd detective. It's moody and gory in places, and the story is thinner than the style.
Watch it if you
- like gothic atmosphere
- enjoy Tim Burton's visuals
- want horror that's more eerie than scary
Skip it if you
- want deep scares
- dislike gory beheadings
Best for: Autumn night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Sleepy Hollow
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, Freeform
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Skeptical young detective Ichabod Crane gets transferred to the hamlet of Sleepy Hollow, New York, where he is tasked with investigating the decapitations of three people – murders the townsfolk attribute to a legendary specter, The Headless Horseman.
Sleepy Hollow parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Sleepy Hollow is an R-rated gothic horror mystery about a detective investigating decapitation murders blamed on a legendary Headless Horseman.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Features gothic horror violence including graphic decapitation murders investigated by the protagonist.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Sleepy Hollow
If you liked Sleepy Hollow, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Corpse Bride (2005) — 86%: Same director, a gothic fantasy with a spooky tone.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990) — 86%: Same director, a sad, odd fairy tale.
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) — 85%: The classic version of the same story.
- Dracula (1958) — 81%: Classic gothic horror from Hammer.
- The Others (2001) — 84%: A haunting mystery in a misty setting.
- The Witch (2016) — 77%: Folk horror with a similar bleak mood.
Director
Cast
- Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane
- Christina Ricci as Katrina Van Tassel
- Miranda Richardson as Lady Mary Van Tassel / Crone Witch
- Michael Gambon as Baltus Van Tassel
- Casper Van Dien as Brom Van Brunt
- Jeffrey Jones as Reverend Steenwyck
- Richard Griffiths as Bürgermeister Phillipse
- Ian McDiarmid as Dr. Lancaster
- Michael Gough as Notary Hardenbrook
- Christopher Walken as Hessian Horseman
Sleepy Hollow FAQ
Is Sleepy Hollow worth watching?
Worth watching. A gothic horror with beautiful, spooky visuals and a funny Johnny Depp as an odd detective. It's moody and gory in places, and the story is thinner than the style.
Where can I watch Sleepy Hollow?
In the US you can stream Sleepy Hollow on Fubo, Paramount+ and Freeform, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Sleepy Hollow OK for kids?
Sleepy Hollow is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Sleepy Hollow is an R-rated gothic horror mystery about a detective investigating decapitation murders blamed on a legendary Headless Horseman.
What movies are like Sleepy Hollow?
If you liked Sleepy Hollow, try Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Dracula.