Paycheck (2003)
A genius memory-wiped for his work must piece together clues to outwit powerful forces.
Michael Jennings is a genius who's hired – and paid handsomely – by high-tech firms to work on highly sensitive projects, after which his short-term memory is erased so he's incapable of breaching security. But at the end of a three-year job, he's told he isn't getting a paycheck and instead receives a mysterious envelope. In it are clues he must piece together to find out why he wasn't paid – and why he's now in hot water.
How intense is Paycheck?
Paycheck is not scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it carries some weight. The pace is brisk, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.
What Paycheck feels like
- Tone
- suspenseful
- Pace
- Brisk
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Paycheck
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Paycheck for you?
Is Paycheck scary?
No. Paycheck is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Paycheck gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is Paycheck sad or heavy?
A little. There is some emotional weight (1 of 3), but it is not a heavy watch.
Is Paycheck OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is Paycheck?
Paycheck runs 1h 59m.
Where can I stream Paycheck?
Paycheck is streaming on Kanopy, Hoopla and YouTube (free).
Does Paycheck have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Yes. It lands on a happy note.
Cast and crew
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