The Number 23 (2007)
A man's life mirrors a dark novel, blurring reality and fiction with gritty, darkly comic suspense.
Animal control officer Walter Sparrow becomes obsessed with a novel that he believes was written about him, as more and more similarities between himself and his literary alter ego seem to arise.
How intense is The Number 23?
The Number 23 is mildly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What The Number 23 feels like
- Tone
- suspensefulgrittydarkly comic
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Number 23
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 The Number 23 for you?
Is The Number 23 scary?
Only a little. The Number 23 has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Number 23 gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Number 23 sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Number 23 OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is The Number 23?
The Number 23 runs 1h 37m.
Where can I stream The Number 23?
The Number 23 is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does The Number 23 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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