The Cremator (1969)
Kernel Score: 85% · 258 ratings
Genres: Horror, Drama, Comedy
Released: 1969-03-14
Runtime: 101 minutes
Where to watch The Cremator
- Stream: The Criterion Channel
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
In 1930s Prague, a Czech cremator who firmly believes cremation relieves one from earthly suffering is drawn inexorably to Nazism.
The Cremator parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Cremator is a dark 1969 Czech horror-drama about a man drawn into Nazism, involving child murder, insanity, and disturbing themes of ethnic cleansing.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Includes references to child murder, family killing, and the horrors of Nazi collaboration and ethnic cleansing, portrayed as dark comedy-horror.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Cremator
If you liked The Cremator, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Closely Watched Trains (1966) — 80%
- The House That Jack Built (2018) — 81%
- God Bless America (2012) — 77%
- The Burial (2023) — 80%
- The Firemen's Ball (1967) — 79%
- Mr. Klein (1976) — 81%
- Naked Lunch (1991) — 78%
- Back to the Outback (2021) — 85%
Director
Juraj Herz
Cast
- Rudolf Hrušínský as Karel Kopfrkingl
- Vlasta Chramostová as Lakmé / Dagmar
- Jana Stehnová as Zina
- Miloš Vognič as Mili
- Ilja Prachař as Walter Reinke
- Zora Božinová as Reinkeová
- Eduard Kohout as Bettleheim
- Jiří Lír as Strauss
- Dimitri Rafalsky as Fenek
- Jan Vlček as Vrána
The Cremator FAQ
Is The Cremator good?
The Cremator has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 258 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Cremator?
In the US you can stream The Cremator on The Criterion Channel.
Is The Cremator OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Cremator is a dark 1969 Czech horror-drama about a man drawn into Nazism, involving child murder, insanity, and disturbing themes of ethnic cleansing.
What movies are like The Cremator?
If you liked The Cremator, try Closely Watched Trains, The House That Jack Built, God Bless America and The Burial.