The Sixth Sense (1999)

Kernel Score: 89% · 12,626 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Drama

Released: 1999-08-06

Runtime: 107 minutes

Is The Sixth Sense worth watching?

Must-watch. A quiet, eerie ghost story about a child psychologist and a frightened boy, built on atmosphere rather than gore. The ending is famous for a reason, and the film is moving as well as scary.

Watch it if you

  • like ghost stories that build dread slowly
  • enjoy twist endings
  • want a scary film that is also emotional

Skip it if you

  • want gore or constant jump scares
  • already know the ending and need it to be a surprise

Best for: Cosy scary night in

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

Where to watch The Sixth Sense

  • Stream: Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, Fubo, YouTube TV
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-25.

Overview

Following an unexpected tragedy, child psychologist Malcolm Crowe meets a nine year old boy named Cole Sear, who is hiding a dark secret.

The Sixth Sense parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that The Sixth Sense is a PG-13 psychological thriller involving child abuse themes, death, ghosts, and a boy's frightening secret.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Contains disturbing imagery involving ghosts, death, and references to child abuse; PG-13 rated psychological thriller.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Sixth Sense

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

  • The Others (2001) — 84%: Elegant, atmospheric ghost story with a patient build.
  • Unbreakable (2000) — 81%: Same director's slower, thoughtful take on a hidden secret.
  • Shutter Island (2010) — 91%: Twisty psychological mystery with a haunted lead.
  • The Devil's Backbone (2001) — 82%: Ghost story with real heart and a child at the centre.
  • Split (2017) — 81%: Another Shyamalan thriller with a dark central secret.

Director

M. Night Shyamalan

Cast

  • Bruce Willis as Malcolm Crowe
  • Haley Joel Osment as Cole Sear
  • Toni Collette as Lynn Sear
  • Olivia Williams as Anna Crowe
  • Donnie Wahlberg as Vincent Grey
  • Trevor Morgan as Tommy Tammisimo
  • Mischa Barton as Kyra Collins
  • Angelica Page as Mrs. Collins
  • Greg Wood as Mr. Collins
  • Peter Anthony Tambakis as Darren

The Sixth Sense FAQ

Is The Sixth Sense worth watching?

Must-watch. A quiet, eerie ghost story about a child psychologist and a frightened boy, built on atmosphere rather than gore. The ending is famous for a reason, and the film is moving as well as scary.

Where can I watch The Sixth Sense?

In the US you can stream The Sixth Sense on Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, Fubo and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Sixth Sense OK for kids?

The Sixth Sense is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Sixth Sense is a PG-13 psychological thriller involving child abuse themes, death, ghosts, and a boy's frightening secret.

What movies are like The Sixth Sense?

If you liked The Sixth Sense, try The Others, Unbreakable, Shutter Island and The Devil's Backbone.