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Ghost in the Cell

Ghost in the Cell

2026106 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films
Director
Joko Anwar
Starring
Abimana Aryasatya, Bront Palarae, Endy Arfian, Lukman Sardi

In a notorious prison, an invisible force begins killing inmates brutally, compelling enemy gangs and corrupt guards to work together as they try to survive the mounting bloodshed.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ghost in the Cell?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Ghost in the Cell on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Ghost in the Cell?

Ghost in the Cell earns 7 badges, led by Spectacle and One of a kind.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Ghost in the Cell worth watching?

Ghost in the Cell's Midcredits score is the 73rd percentile of all films, from 4K ratings across 2 sources. 66% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

73rd percentile

Better received than 73% of films

85th percentile among Action74th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)70th
Approval (how many liked it)74th

67 /100

70th percentile of all films

84th percentile among Action70th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

66% liked it

74th percentile of all films

83rd percentile among Action74th percentile among 2020s
66% rated it 7–1034% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 5 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

89th percentile

3.9K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Action90th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 61% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$106K

18th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Ghost in the Cell is a wildly gory prison horror-comedy that delivers inventive death sequences and biting social commentary, but its chaotic tonal shifts and shallow character writing divide audiences on whether the result is entertaining or frustrating.

Fans praised

  • inventive gore and creative death scenes arranged as macabre art
  • sharp political satire of Indonesian corruption and social inequality
  • bold genre-blending of horror, comedy, and action that feels fresh

Detractors panned

  • tonal inconsistency undermines both horror and comedy
  • weak character depth and backstory for prisoners and ghost
  • script feels amateurish with clunky dialogue and heavy-handed satire

What stands out

Effects and spectacle85

inventive practical gore and body horror; corpses as grotesque sculptures

OriginalityDivisive85

fresh mix of horror, comedy, and political satire in prison setting

ActingDivisive75

ensemble delivers charismatic, theatrical performances; Aming steals scenes

Atmosphere70

claustrophobic prison setting builds unease; chaotic energy sustains

HumorDivisive60

slapstick and absurd comedy lands for some, falls flat for others

PacingDivisive55

energetic start, but middle sags and ending feels rushed

Plot and story40

simple story, rushed third act, loose supernatural logic

Characters35

unexplored backstories and thin motivations; prisoners have distinct personalities but lack depth

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 20 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Ghost in the Cell 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 is intense, swings between moods and leaves you entertained.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Dark comedy.

Moods
TenseAbsurdDread
Heaviest: throughout
Dark humor
The answer rests on this: Register
Satirical · 5% of filmsAbsurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material at a knowing distance, mixing brutal horror with absurd comedy and pointed political satire, never fully earnest.
The rideThe film sustains a volatile mix of tension, horror, and absurdist comedy from start to finish.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning (prison life), middle (ghost attacks and competition to do good), and end (uniting to fight).

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you entertained by its gore and absurdity, while also provoking thought about Indonesia's corrupt system.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · 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%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · 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%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe inmates must survive a ghost that kills those with negative aura, while also battling a corrupt prison system; the central conflict is overcoming both the supernatural predator and the oppressive state.

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 filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · 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% (this title) · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · 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%

Survival

SurvivalOppression · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe inmates must keep a positive aura to survive a ghost, while also enduring systemic oppression from prison officials.
StanceThe film uses the prison as a microcosm to satirize Indonesian society but ultimately celebrates the collective struggle of the inmates to survive and unite.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalHorror supernatural
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score
SettingLabuhan Angsana prison, Jakarta, Indonesia
MusicMixed reception, with some reviewers noting mismatched musical cues.

Content guide

Is Ghost in the Cell okay for kids?

Not Rated

Ghost in the Cell is not rated. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (98/100), sexual content at moderate (47/100), language at severe (82/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at severe (91/100). Its drug and alcohol content has too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 94% of unrated films.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UK18
  • South Korea19
  • FinlandK-18
  • ID17+
  • MY18SG
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • Taiwan18+
  • TH18
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 95% of all filmsHeavier than 94% of unrated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an unrated film
heavier than 98%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 58%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an unrated film
heavier than 88%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an unrated film
heavier than 94%

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

The reason to think twice is violence, frightening material, and language. Everything else sits at or below what unrated films usually carry.

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 Ghost in the Cell have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ghost in the Cell?

Cast

Abimana Aryasatya
as Anggoro
Bront Palarae
as Jefri
Endy Arfian
as Dimas
Lukman Sardi
as Pendi
Yoga Pratama
as Six
Morgan Oey
as Bimo
Aming Sugandhi
as Tokek
Rio Dewanto
as Endy
Tora Sudiro
as Anton
Kiki Narendra
as Sapto

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ghost in the Cell?

Movies like Ghost in the Cell include Satan's Slaves (2017), Satan's Slaves 2: Communion (2022) and Dead & Breakfast (2004). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Joko Anwar, and most are horror comedies.

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

10 of these 12 share its subject: survival. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Ghost in the Cell?

335 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: death game. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.