Fanny and Alexander (1982)
A brother and sister navigate a bleak new reality, finding whimsy and melancholy in a dreamlike, atmospheric world.
As children in the loving Ekdahl family, Fanny and Alexander enjoy a happy life with their parents, who run a theater company. After their father dies unexpectedly, however, the siblings end up in a joyless home when their mother, Emilie, marries a stern bishop. The bleak situation gradually grows worse as the bishop becomes more controlling, but dedicated relatives make a valiant attempt to aid Emilie, Fanny and Alexander.
How intense is Fanny and Alexander?
Fanny and Alexander is mildly scary, with no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Fanny and Alexander feels like
- Tone
- bleakwhimsicalmelancholyatmosphericdreamlike
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Fanny and Alexander
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 11, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Fanny and Alexander for you?
Is Fanny and Alexander scary?
Only a little. Fanny and Alexander has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is Fanny and Alexander gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Fanny and Alexander sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Fanny and Alexander OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3.
How long is Fanny and Alexander?
Fanny and Alexander runs 3h 8m.
Where can I stream Fanny and Alexander?
Fanny and Alexander is streaming on Max, Plex and Tubi.
Does Fanny and Alexander have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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