The Magdalene Sisters (2002)
Kernel Score: 85% · 452 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, History
Released: 2002-08-30
Runtime: 119 minutes
Where to watch The Magdalene Sisters
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Three young Irish women struggle to maintain their spirits while they endure dehumanizing abuse as inmates of a Magdalene Sisters Asylum.
The Magdalene Sisters parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated historical drama depicts institutional abuse of young women in a Catholic laundry asylum.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts sustained physical and psychological abuse, punishment, and torture of the young women held at the asylum.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Includes sexual harassment as part of the abusive environment.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Magdalene Sisters
If you liked The Magdalene Sisters, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Sleepers (1996) — 87%
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- In the Name of the Father (1993) — 86%
- Dead Man Walking (1995) — 83%
- Ida (2013) — 82%
- Hunger (2008) — 81%
- Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985) — 77%
- Girl, Interrupted (1999) — 86%
Director
Cast
- Anne-Marie Duff as Margaret
- Nora-Jane Noone as Bernadette
- Dorothy Duffy as Rose
- Geraldine McEwan as Sister Bridget
- Eileen Walsh as Crispina
- Mary Murray as Una
- Eamonn Owens as Eamonn
- Britta Smith as Katy
- Peter Mullan as Mr O'Connor
- Eithne McGuinness as Sister Clementine
The Magdalene Sisters FAQ
Is The Magdalene Sisters good?
The Magdalene Sisters has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 452 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Magdalene Sisters?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Magdalene Sisters OK for kids?
The Magdalene Sisters is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated historical drama depicts institutional abuse of young women in a Catholic laundry asylum.
What movies are like The Magdalene Sisters?
If you liked The Magdalene Sisters, try Sleepers, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, In the Name of the Father and Dead Man Walking.