The Favourite (2018)
Kernel Score: 83% · 5,837 ratings · Rated R
Genres: History, Comedy, Drama
Released: 2018-11-23
Runtime: 120 minutes
Is The Favourite worth watching?
Worth watching. A dark, funny period comedy in which two women fight for a queen's affection. The acting is sharp and the cruelty is entertaining, though its coldness will turn off some viewers.
Watch it if you
- like sharp, mean-spirited period comedy
- enjoy actors going big in strange roles
- are open to Yorgos Lanthimos's odd style
Skip it if you
- want a conventional costume drama
- dislike cruel characters and bleak humour
Best for: Adult night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Favourite
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
England, early 18th century. The close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.
The Favourite parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Favourite is an R-rated period drama about court intrigue and a bitter rivalry between two women vying for Queen Anne's favor.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Contains sexual content and depictions of same-sex relationships as part of the palace intrigue.
- Language: Some — Includes period-appropriate crude and coarse language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Favourite
If you liked The Favourite, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Poor Things (2023) — 85%: Same director and the same blend of strange, funny and cruel.
- The Lobster (2015) — 79%: Dry, deadpan absurdity from the same director.
- The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) — 84%: Dark comedy about a bitter falling-out, with sharp performances.
- The Death of Stalin (2017) — 79%: Power-hungry courtiers played for biting laughs.
- A Royal Affair (2012) — 83%: A real royal court tangle of love and rivalry.
- The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) — 77%: Cold, uncomfortable drama from the same director.
Director
Cast
- Emma Stone as Abigail
- Olivia Colman as Queen Anne
- Rachel Weisz as Lady Sarah
- Nicholas Hoult as Harley
- Joe Alwyn as Masham
- Mark Gatiss as Lord Marlborough
- James Smith as Godolphin
- Jenny Rainsford as Mae
- Emma Delves as Queen's Maid
- Faye Daveney as Sarah's Maid
The Favourite FAQ
Is The Favourite worth watching?
Worth watching. A dark, funny period comedy in which two women fight for a queen's affection. The acting is sharp and the cruelty is entertaining, though its coldness will turn off some viewers.
Where can I watch The Favourite?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Favourite OK for kids?
The Favourite is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Favourite is an R-rated period drama about court intrigue and a bitter rivalry between two women vying for Queen Anne's favor.
What movies are like The Favourite?
If you liked The Favourite, try Poor Things, The Lobster, The Banshees of Inisherin and The Death of Stalin.