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Cruel Intentions 3

Cruel Intentions 3

The 3rd time's a charm...

200485 minRMidcredits score: 8th percentile of all films
Director
Scott Ziehl
Starring
Kerr Smith, Kristina Anapau, Nathan Wetherington, Melissa Yvonne Lewis

Meet Cassie, Jason and Patrick, three amoral college students who, through a series of sexual wagers, take malicious pleasure in ruining the lives of their fellow classmates.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Cruel Intentions 3?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Cruel Intentions 3 to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Cruel Intentions 3?

Cruel Intentions 3 earns 2 badges, led by Overhyped and Award Nominee.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Cruel Intentions 3 worth watching?

Cruel Intentions 3's Midcredits score is the 8th percentile of all films, from 15K ratings across 4 sources. 21% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

8th percentile

Better received than 8% of films

5th percentile among Drama9th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)10th
Approval (how many liked it)10th

45 /100

10th percentile of all films

6th percentile among Drama10th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

21% liked it

10th percentile of all films

6th percentile among Drama9th percentile among 2000s
21% rated it 7–1079% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

88th percentile

15K ratings across platforms

90th percentile among Drama81st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 55% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is a trashy teen drama that copies the original's formula of amoral seduction bets.

Fans praised

  • twist-heavy plot keeps interest across multiple reveals
  • leads have good on-screen chemistry
  • deliciously cruel and manipulative tone true to franchise

Detractors panned

  • formulaic plot is an unoriginal rehash of the original
  • shallow, unrealistic characters lack depth and authentic motivation
  • tacky sex scenes feel gratuitous and add nothing

What stands out

ActingDivisive35

leads adequate but cast generally unconvincing

EndingDivisive35

double-cross ending is lackluster

TensionDivisive35

some shocking twists but few real stakes

PacingDivisive35

slow start then plods through wagers

Plot and storyDivisive30

twists but predictable and derivative

DialogueDivisive25

sometimes clever but mostly shorts of drivel

CharactersDivisive20

shallow copies of original, lacking motivation

Originality10

wearisome rehash of the first film's formula

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Cruel Intentions 3 like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark comedy: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to laugh at things you probably shouldn't.

It leaves you unsettled.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Dark comedy.

Moods
ThrillingWarmAbsurd
Heaviest: middle
Satirical humor
The answer rests on this: Register
Cynical · 1% of filmsCold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its manipulative and cruel material with a cold, knowing cynicism; the humor is sardonic and the drama plays straight.
The rideThe mood likely mixes competitive tension with light romantic warmth, peaking when the wager escalates.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward chronological order.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingInfuriating · 4% of films: Leaves you angry at an injustice the film shows, never at the film.
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you unsettled by its casual cruelty and infuriated by the violation depicted.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).ComedyFarce
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% (this title) · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Farce: Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).

11% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows a series of manipulative seductions and a bet, structured as an escalating game of deception with an ironic twist at the end.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsComing of age · 5% of films
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on identities constructed through seduction games and the self-deception involved, as the characters' personas clash with their true natures.
StanceThe film satirizes the manipulative seduction games of privileged students, exposing their shallowness and self-defeating nature.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanInstitutionalRealistic
PopSupportive music · hybrid
SettingAn elite college prep school campus

Content guide

Is Cruel Intentions 3 okay for kids?

R

Cruel Intentions 3 is rated R: “Rated R for strong sexual content and language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (47/100), sexual content at moderate (60/100), language at intense (72/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (62/100) and frightening material at intense (60/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • Germany16
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea19
  • Hungary12
Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 73%
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (56 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Cruel Intentions 3 have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Cruel Intentions 3?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Kerr Smith
as Jason
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kristina Anapau
as Cassidy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nathan Wetherington
as Patrick
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Melissa Yvonne Lewis
as Alison
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Natalie Ramsey
as Sheila
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tom Parker
as Michael
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tara Carroll
as Valaria
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Charlie Weber
as Brent
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alex Donnelley
as Professor Eldridge
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
William Gregory Lee
as Assistant Registrar
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Cruel Intentions 3?

Movies like Cruel Intentions 3 include Cruel Intentions (1999) and Cruel Intentions 2 (2000), both teen dramas.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Cruel Intentions 3?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: teen drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.