Total Recall (1990)
Kernel Score: 83% · 6,319 TMDB ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 1990-06-01
Runtime: 113 minutes
Is Total Recall worth watching?
Worth watching. A construction worker finds out his memories may not be his own in this loud, violent, clever Verhoeven sci-fi. It's full of strange effects and dark humour, and it keeps you guessing what's real.
Watch it if you
- like 1980s-90s sci-fi action
- enjoy Verhoeven's dark humour and violence
- want a twisty plot about reality and memory
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic violence
- want modern-looking effects
Best for: Action night with friends
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Total Recall
- Stream: Paramount+, Philo, AMC+, BBC America
- Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-12.
Overview
Construction worker Douglas Quaid's obsession with the planet Mars leads him to visit Recall, a company that manufactures memories. When his memory implant goes wrong, Doug can no longer be sure what is and isn't reality.
Total Recall parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Total Recall is an R-rated sci-fi action film with graphic violence and nudity.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Contains graphic action violence, consistent with its R rating per reviews noting 'exquisite violence.'
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Reviews note nudity as part of the film's content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Total Recall
If you liked Total Recall, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- RoboCop (1987) — 83%: Verhoeven's other violent, satirical sci-fi action film
- Starship Troopers (1997) — 78%: Verhoeven's satirical, gory sci-fi spectacle
- Inception (2010) — 91%: Twisty sci-fi about layers of reality
- Basic Instinct (1992) — 76%: Verhoeven's slick, dangerous thriller
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) — 96%: Classic sci-fi adventure with a big twist
- Star Wars (1977) — 94%: Original space adventure that built the genre
Director
Cast
- Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid / Hauser
- Rachel Ticotin as Melina
- Sharon Stone as Lori Quaid
- Ronny Cox as Vilos Cohaagen
- Michael Ironside as Richter
- Marshall Bell as George / Kuato
- Mel Johnson Jr. as Benny
- Michael Champion as Helm
- Roy Brocksmith as Dr. Edgemar
- Ray Baker as Bob McClane
Total Recall FAQ
Is Total Recall worth watching?
Worth watching. A construction worker finds out his memories may not be his own in this loud, violent, clever Verhoeven sci-fi. It's full of strange effects and dark humour, and it keeps you guessing what's real.
Where can I watch Total Recall?
In the US you can stream Total Recall on Paramount+, Philo, AMC+ and BBC America, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video and Apple TV.
Is Total Recall OK for kids?
Total Recall is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Total Recall is an R-rated sci-fi action film with graphic violence and nudity.
What movies are like Total Recall?
If you liked Total Recall, try RoboCop, Starship Troopers, Inception and Basic Instinct.