Total Recall (2012)
A factory worker's implanted spy memories trigger a gritty, relentless fight for survival against a corrupt chancellor.
Factory worker Doug Quaid takes a virtual mind-trip vacation with the Rekall company, opting for implanted memories of being a spy. When the procedure goes wrong, Quaid becomes a wanted man by the police and joins forces with a rebel fighter to stop the evil Chancellor Cohaagen.
How intense is Total Recall?
Total Recall is mildly scary, with graphic gore and brutal violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is relentless, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG-13.
What Total Recall feels like
- Tone
- suspensefulgritty
- Pace
- Relentless
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Total Recall
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 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Total Recall for you?
Is Total Recall scary?
Only a little. Total Recall has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is Total Recall gory or violent?
Graphic gore (2 of 3) and brutal violence (3 of 3). If graphic gore is a dealbreaker, skip it.
Is Total Recall sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is Total Recall OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 1, gore 2, violence 3, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is Total Recall?
Total Recall runs 1h 58m.
Where can I stream Total Recall?
Total Recall is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Total Recall have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves the ending open to interpretation.
Cast and crew
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