The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Kernel Score: 82% · 1,333 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Horror, Thriller
Released: 2001-04-20
Runtime: 108 minutes
Where to watch The Devil's Backbone
- Free with ads: Fawesome, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Spain, 1939. In the last days of the Spanish Civil War, the young Carlos arrives at the Santa Lucía orphanage, where he will make friends and enemies as he follows the quiet footsteps of a mysterious presence eager for revenge.
The Devil's Backbone parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Devil's Backbone is an R-rated gothic horror set during the Spanish Civil War, involving a ghost child and violent political repression at an orphanage.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Involves wartime political repression and a ghost-child storyline tied to a violent death; gothic horror atmosphere.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Devil's Backbone
If you liked The Devil's Backbone, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Others (2001) — 84%
- FX's A Christmas Carol (2019) — 79%
- The Orphanage (2007) — 82%
- The Sixth Sense (1999) — 89%
- Kill, Baby... Kill! (1966) — 77%
- While at War (2019) — 79%
- Land and Freedom (1995) — 82%
- Butterfly (1999) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Marisa Paredes as Carmen
- Eduardo Noriega as Jacinto
- Federico Luppi as Dr. Casares
- Fernando Tielve as Carlos
- Íñigo Garcés as Jaime
- Irene Visedo as Conchita
- José Manuel Lorenzo as Marcelo
- Francisco Maestre as 'El Puerco'
- Junio Valverde as Santi
- Berta Ojea as Alma
The Devil's Backbone FAQ
Is The Devil's Backbone good?
The Devil's Backbone has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,333 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Devil's Backbone?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Fawesome and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Devil's Backbone OK for kids?
The Devil's Backbone is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Devil's Backbone is an R-rated gothic horror set during the Spanish Civil War, involving a ghost child and violent political repression at an orphanage.
What movies are like The Devil's Backbone?
If you liked The Devil's Backbone, try The Others, FX's A Christmas Carol, The Orphanage and The Sixth Sense.