The Big Sleep (1946)
Kernel Score: 84% · 1,133 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller
Released: 1946-08-22
Runtime: 114 minutes
Where to watch The Big Sleep
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Private Investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by wealthy General Sternwood regarding a matter involving his youngest daughter Carmen. Before the complex case is over, Marlowe sees murder, blackmail, deception, and what might be love.
The Big Sleep parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Big Sleep is a classic film-noir mystery involving gambling, blackmail, drug addiction, and murder.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Film noir crime plot involves murder, blackmail, and a private investigator navigating danger.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Some flirtatious and suggestive interactions typical of 1940s noir.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — A drug addiction subplot involving a supporting character is part of the story.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Big Sleep
If you liked The Big Sleep, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Gone Baby Gone (2007) — 82%
- L.A. Confidential (1997) — 89%
- The Long Goodbye (1973) — 83%
- The Maltese Falcon (1941) — 88%
- The Body (2012) — 85%
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) — 81%
- Kiss Me Deadly (1955) — 80%
- The Thin Man (1934) — 84%
Director
Cast
- Humphrey Bogart as Philip Marlowe
- Lauren Bacall as Vivian Sternwood Rutledge
- John Ridgely as Eddie Mars
- Martha Vickers as Carmen Sternwood
- Louis Jean Heydt as Joe Brody
- Charles Waldron as General Sternwood
- Regis Toomey as Chief Inspector Bernie Ohls
- Sonia Darrin as Agnes Lowzier (uncredited)
- Elisha Cook Jr. as Harry Jones
- Bob Steele as Lash Canino
The Big Sleep FAQ
Is The Big Sleep good?
The Big Sleep has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,133 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Big Sleep?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Big Sleep OK for kids?
The Big Sleep is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Big Sleep is a classic film-noir mystery involving gambling, blackmail, drug addiction, and murder.
What movies are like The Big Sleep?
If you liked The Big Sleep, try Gone Baby Gone, L.A. Confidential, The Long Goodbye and The Maltese Falcon.