Trailer+1 trailer

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

1992Movie1 h 50 minR

66
GoodGoodWatch score
66
GoodGoodWatch score

Summary

A suburban family chooses seemingly sweet Peyton Flanders as their newborn's nanny. Only much later does the infant's mother, Claire Bartel, realize Peyton's true intentions -- to destroy Claire and replace her in the family. The nail-biting suspense builds quickly in this chilling psychological thriller about deception and bitter revenge.

Good for

  • Friends night
  • Teens
  • Pure escapism

Skip it if

  • You want something to laugh at
  • You want fast pacing

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for laughs, warmth or comfort.

Movies with

Cast

Crew

Directed by
Curtis Hanson
Written by
Amanda Silver
Produced by
David Madden

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

January 10, 1992 · 1 h 50 min · R

Released
January 10, 1992
Runtime
1 h 50 min
Age rating
R
Content
Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Suicide Themes
Genres
Drama, Thriller
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Budget
$12 million
Box office
$88 million
Available in
62 countries

Tropes

Surprise Party, They Look Just Like Everyone Else!, Playing Possum +9

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?"

Questions about The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Hand That Rocks the Cradle?

In the United States, you can rent or buy The Hand That Rocks the Cradle from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It streams in 56 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is The Hand That Rocks the Cradle worth watching?

66
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66 (IMDb 6.7, Letterboxd 3.4 out of 5, Rotten Tomatoes 67%, and Metacritic 64).

Will The Hand That Rocks the Cradle scare me?

Not scaryTerrifying

At times: scares are rated 7 of 10.

Was The Hand That Rocks the Cradle a box office hit?

Budget$12 million
Box office$88 million

Yes, a big one: it cost about $12 million to make and earned $88 million worldwide, 7.5 times its budget.

What tropes does The Hand That Rocks the Cradle use?

Surprise PartyThey Look Just Like Everyone Else!Playing PossumKick the DogWoobie, Destroyer of WorldsChekhov's GunManipulative BastardMistaken for PedophileIdiot BallDeath GlareCreepy PhysicalGambit Rouletteand 58 more

TV Tropes lists 70 tropes for it, including Surprise Party, They Look Just Like Everyone Else!, and Playing Possum.