The Night of the Hunter (1955)
A chilling Depression-era fable unfolds as children flee a murderous preacher obsessed with their dark secret.
In Depression-era West Virginia, a serial-killing preacher hunts two young children who know the whereabouts of a stash of money.
How intense is The Night of the Hunter?
The Night of the Hunter is properly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch.
What The Night of the Hunter feels like
- Tone
- bleaksuspensefulgrittychilling
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Night of the Hunter
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Night of the Hunter for you?
Is The Night of the Hunter scary?
Yes, properly. The Night of the Hunter is scare level 2 of 3, the real thing without being an endurance test.
Is The Night of the Hunter gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Night of the Hunter sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
How long is The Night of the Hunter?
The Night of the Hunter runs 1h 33m.
Where can I stream The Night of the Hunter?
The Night of the Hunter is streaming on Criterion, MGM+, Kanopy and YouTube (free).
Does The Night of the Hunter 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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