The Experiment (2001)

Kernel Score: 84% · 1,189 ratings

Genres: Drama, Thriller

Released: 2001-03-08

Runtime: 120 minutes

Overview

20 volunteers agree to take part in a seemingly well-paid experiment advertised by the university. It is supposed to be about aggressive behavior in an artificial prison situation. A journalist senses a story behind the ad and smuggles himself in among the test subjects. They are randomly divided into prisoners and guards. What seems like a game at the beginning soon turns into bloody seriousness.

The Experiment parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that this thriller depicts a prison experiment that turns into torture and abuse.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Depicts rape, torture, humiliation, and escalating violence within a simulated prison experiment.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

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Director

Oliver Hirschbiegel

Cast

  • Moritz Bleibtreu as Tarek Fahd, Prisoner Nr. 77
  • Christian Berkel as Robert Steinhoff, Prisoner Nr. 38
  • Justus von Dohnányi as Berus
  • Maren Eggert as Dora
  • Edgar Selge as Professor Dr. Klaus Thon
  • Andrea Sawatzki as Dr. Jutta Grimm
  • Oliver Stokowski as Günther Schütte, Prisoner Nr. 82
  • Wotan Wilke Möhring as Joe Maier, Prisoner Nr. 69
  • Nicki von Tempelhoff as Kamps
  • Timo Dierkes as Eckert

The Experiment FAQ

Is The Experiment good?

The Experiment has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,189 audience ratings.

Is The Experiment OK for kids?

Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this thriller depicts a prison experiment that turns into torture and abuse.

What movies are like The Experiment?

If you liked The Experiment, try The Mauritanian, The Silence of the Lambs, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Nothing But the Truth.