The Fly (1986)

Kernel Score: 86% · 4,858 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction

Released: 1986-08-15

Runtime: 96 minutes

Is The Fly worth watching?

Must-watch. A scientist tests his teleporter on himself and a fly gets in. It's grotesque, but it's also a moving tragedy, and Jeff Goldblum's performance gives it real heart.

Watch it if you

  • like body horror with feeling
  • enjoy David Cronenberg
  • want a short, sharp classic

Skip it if you

  • can't stomach graphic body effects
  • dislike gore

Best for: Late-night horror

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Fly

  • Stream: Hulu, Peacock, Philo, AMC
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

When Seth Brundle makes a huge scientific and technological breakthrough in teleportation, he decides to test it on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a common housefly manages to get inside the device and the two become one.

The Fly parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that The Fly (1986) is an R-rated horror film with graphic body-horror transformation and disturbing creature violence.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic, disturbing body-horror as a scientist mutates into a monstrous fly-human hybrid, including melting and grotesque imagery.

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

Movies like The Fly

If you liked The Fly, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Thing (1982) — 93%: Another 80s practical-effects horror classic about transformation.
  • Videodrome (1983) — 83%: Cronenberg's other body-horror classic.
  • Dead Ringers (1988) — 81%: Cronenberg's unsettling drama about twins and obsession.
  • Alien (1979) — 96%: Tense sci-fi horror with unforgettable creature work.
  • The Fly (1958) — 79%: The 1958 original that inspired this remake.
  • Young Frankenstein (1974) — 88%: Funny take on a mad-scientist story.

Director

David Cronenberg

Cast

  • Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle
  • Geena Davis as Veronica Quaife
  • John Getz as Stathis Borans
  • Joy Boushel as Tawny
  • Leslie Carlson as Dr. Cheevers
  • George Chuvalo as Marky
  • Michael Copeman as 2nd Man in Bar
  • David Cronenberg as Gynecologist
  • Carol Lazare as Nurse
  • Shawn Hewitt as Clerk

The Fly FAQ

Is The Fly worth watching?

Must-watch. A scientist tests his teleporter on himself and a fly gets in. It's grotesque, but it's also a moving tragedy, and Jeff Goldblum's performance gives it real heart.

Where can I watch The Fly?

In the US you can stream The Fly on Hulu, Peacock, Philo and AMC and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Fly OK for kids?

The Fly is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Fly (1986) is an R-rated horror film with graphic body-horror transformation and disturbing creature violence.

What movies are like The Fly?

If you liked The Fly, try The Thing, Videodrome, Dead Ringers and Alien.