M3GAN(2022)
2022 · Gerard Johnstone · 102 min
A brilliant toy company roboticist uses artificial intelligence to develop M3GAN, a life-like doll programmed to emotionally bond with her newly orphaned niece. But when the doll's programming works too well, she becomes overprotective of her new friend with terrifying results.
Science Fiction · Horror
7.05k votes
TMDB score
2/5
Intensity
2/5
Gore
2/5
Stays with you
How M3GAN scares
There's a campy, tongue-in-cheek energy running through the whole thing, so even the tense parts feel more like fun than genuinely upsetting. The pacing builds a creepy-doll unease early on before shifting into more physical chase-and-attack territory once things escalate. The threat here is a machine, not anything ghostly, and it leans into dark humor as much as horror. This is a great pick if you want to laugh and jump a little without walking away feeling shaken.
On The Horror Database's 0–5 scare profile, M3GAN rates psychological 2/5, visceral 3/5, gore 2/5, lingering effect 2/5, and overall intensity 2/5.
- Psychological: 2 of 5
- Visceral: 3 of 5
- Gore: 2 of 5
- Lingering: 2 of 5
- Intensity: 2 of 5
Slow burn vs Jump scares: 45 of 100 — balanced
Supernatural vs Real-world: 85 of 100 — leans Real-world
Fun-scary vs Disturbing: 15 of 100 — leans Fun-scary
Intensity over runtime
Shape only — no eventsReveal pacing shapeHide pacing shapeHidden by default — shows where the tension peaks and lets up.
A slow, playful setup that gradually tightens into escalating chaos, with the back stretch delivering the biggest, most sustained punch.
Intensity across the runtime, 0 to 100: 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 4.
How scary is M3GAN?
On The Horror Database's 0–5 intensity scale, M3GAN rates 2/5 — moderately scary, balancing creeping dread with well-placed shocks. It works on both fronts, unsettling the mind while going for the body. Expect it to be moderately gory and fun-first. Some of it will follow you to bed, but it lets go within a day or so.
Watched it? Sign in to confirm whether this profile fits.
