Videodrome (1983)

Kernel Score: 83% · 2,418 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Mystery

Released: 1983-02-04

Runtime: 88 minutes

Is Videodrome worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A TV executive gets hooked on a signal that blurs reality and hallucination. It's one of David Cronenberg's wildest, grimiest films, with bizarre body-horror imagery. Ideas matter more than scares here.

Watch it if you

  • like cult body horror
  • enjoy films about media and technology
  • want something strange and provocative

Skip it if you

  • dislike graphic body horror
  • want a clear, linear story

Best for: Cult-movie night

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

Where to watch Videodrome

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

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

As the president of a trashy TV channel, Max Renn is desperate for new programming to attract viewers. When he happens upon "Videodrome," a TV show dedicated to gratuitous torture and punishment, Max sees a potential hit and broadcasts the show on his channel. However, after his girlfriend auditions for the show and never returns, Max investigates the truth behind Videodrome and discovers that the graphic violence may not be as fake as he thought.

Videodrome parents' guide: ages 16+

Parents need to know that Videodrome is an R-rated horror film with disturbing, surreal content including sadomasochism and graphic violence.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic, disturbing violence and torture imagery central to the plot's TV-show-within-a-film.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Includes sadomasochistic content and sexualized scenes.

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

Movies like Videodrome

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

  • The Fly (1986) — 86%: Cronenberg's most emotional body-horror film.
  • Dead Ringers (1988) — 81%: Cronenberg again, cold, disturbing and psychologically twisted.
  • The Thing (1982) — 93%: Paranoid, creature-driven horror with grotesque practical effects.
  • The Dead Zone (1983) — 80%: Cronenberg adapts a Stephen King story about visions.
  • A History of Violence (2005) — 80%: Cronenberg's cool, violent look at identity.
  • Eastern Promises (2007) — 84%: Cronenberg's grim, tense crime thriller.

Director

David Cronenberg

Cast

  • James Woods as Max Renn
  • Debbie Harry as Nicki Brand
  • Sonja Smits as Bianca O'Blivion
  • Peter Dvorsky as Harlan
  • Leslie Carlson as Barry Convex
  • Jack Creley as Brian O'Blivion
  • Lynne Gorman as Masha
  • Julie Khaner as Bridey
  • Reiner Schwarz as Moses
  • David Bolt as Raphael

Videodrome FAQ

Is Videodrome worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A TV executive gets hooked on a signal that blurs reality and hallucination. It's one of David Cronenberg's wildest, grimiest films, with bizarre body-horror imagery. Ideas matter more than scares here.

Where can I watch Videodrome?

In the US you can stream Videodrome on Prime Video and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Videodrome OK for kids?

Videodrome is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Videodrome is an R-rated horror film with disturbing, surreal content including sadomasochism and graphic violence.

What movies are like Videodrome?

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