The Descent
7.8/10
jumps
10
gore
8
dread
8
Tap a dot to add your rating.
Where to watch: Streaming on Tubi · Pluto TV (US, subject to change)
▶ Watch the trailer
How it scared people
The vibe
Six women, one unmapped cave system, and claustrophobia so complete the monsters feel almost like relief when they arrive. Marshall's masterpiece tightens both physically and emotionally — grief and resentment go spelunking too. See the original UK ending.
The Descent (2005) Parents Guide
| MPA rating | Rated R |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 99 minutes |
| Jump scares | 5/5 — among the scariest films on WhatScares |
| Gore | 4/5 — heavy gore |
| Dread | 4/5 — heavy atmosphere — expect it to sit with you afterwards |
| Themes | monster attacks; characters cut off from help |
The Descent is rated R by the MPA. We score it 5/5 for jump scares, 4/5 for gore and 4/5 for lingering dread, over 99 minutes. Weigh the gore first: heavy gore. Older teens and adults, mostly on the strength of what it shows.
We rate what the film does — scares, gore, dread — not scene-level content like language or nudity, which we don't track.
Before you press play
- How scary is The Descent?
- On our intensity scale, The Descent rates 10/10 for jump scares and 8/10 for dread. It is among the scariest films on WhatScares.
- How gory is The Descent?
- The Descent rates 8/10 for gore — expect heavy gore.
- How long is The Descent?
- The Descent runs 99 minutes (1h 39m).
- What is The Descent rated?
- The Descent is rated R by the MPA. On our own scale it rates 10/10 for jump scares, 8/10 for gore and 8/10 for dread — the R tells you what it was certified, those tell you what it will do to you.
- Where to watch The Descent (2005)?
- As of our last update, The Descent is streaming on Tubi and Pluto TV in the US (checked 2026-09-14). Availability changes, so check your service before settling in.
