Searching (2018)
A father frantically searches his daughter's laptop, uncovering digital secrets in a brisk, suspenseful mystery.
After David Kim's 16-year-old daughter goes missing, a local investigation is opened and a detective is assigned to the case. But 37 hours later and without a single lead, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter's laptop.
How intense is Searching?
Searching is mildly scary, with no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is brisk, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.
What Searching feels like
- Tone
- suspensefultense
- Pace
- Brisk
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Searching
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 14, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Searching for you?
Is Searching scary?
Only a little. Searching has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is Searching gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Searching sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Searching OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 1, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is Searching?
Searching runs 1h 42m.
Where can I stream Searching?
Searching is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Searching have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
There is a twist, and that is all we are saying.
Cast and crew
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Memento (2000)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · emotionally devastatingA man with no short-term memory hunts his wife's killer, piecing together a gritty, cerebral puzzle.
The Sixth Sense (1999)Properly scary · emotionally heavy · measuredA child psychologist uncovers a boy's chilling secret, weaving a measured tale of suspense and melancholy.
The Game (1997)Mildly scary · emotionally heavy · relentlessA ruthless banker's birthday becomes a relentless, mind-bending game where reality and charade blur.
Whiplash (2014)No gore · emotionally devastating · relentlessA young drummer's pursuit of perfection under a ruthless instructor becomes a relentless, gritty battle for his soul.
The Invisible Guest (2017)Light gore · emotionally heavy · measuredA shrewd lawyer and a businessman accused of murder craft a defense, but the truth keeps shifting.
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