Drowning by Numbers
1988, English. Directed by Peter Greenaway.
Three Women And A Coroner.
Cissie Colpitts drowns her cheating husband and, in the ensuing cover-up, enlists the help of lonely coroner Henry Madgett, an old friend with a longstanding weakness for her charms. But when Cissie's daughter and granddaughter—both also named Cissie Colpitts—decide to resort to the same methods for solving conflicts with their own frustrating husbands, the women and their repeated appeals for help begin to wear on Madgett's conscience.
- Runtime
- 1h 59m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.0/10 from 201 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Drowning by Numbers
Drowning by Numbers is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, and Night Flight Plus in India.
Stream
Amazon Prime Video
Philo
Night Flight Plus
Fandor Amazon Channel
FlixFling
Eternal Family
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel
Bloodstream
Cineverse Amazon Channel
Hoopla
Fawesome
Cineverse
Midnight Pulp
Tubi TV
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Peter GreenawayDirector
- Joan PlowrightCissie Colpitts
- Juliet StevensonCissie Colpitts (Daughter)
- Joely RichardsonCissie Colpitts (Granddaughter)
- Bernard HillHenry Madgett
- Jason EdwardsSmut
- Bryan PringleJake
- Trevor CooperHardy
- David MorrisseyBellamy
- John RoganGregory
- Paul MooneyTeigan
- Jane GurnettNancy
- Kenny IrelandJonah Bognor
Details
- Released
- 2 September 1988
- Country
- Netherlands, United Kingdom
- Written by
- Peter Greenaway
- Budget
- $1.5M
- Box office
- $425K
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Drowning by Numbers: quick answers
Is Drowning by Numbers worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.0/10 from 201 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Drowning by Numbers?
Drowning by Numbers runs 119 minutes (1h 59m).
Does Drowning by Numbers have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Drowning by Numbers. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Drowning by Numbers parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Drowning by Numbers is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Drowning by Numbers on?
Drowning by Numbers is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, and Night Flight Plus in India. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Drowning by Numbers?
If you liked Drowning by Numbers, try A Zed & Two Noughts, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, The Draughtsman's Contract.
Who directed Drowning by Numbers?
Drowning by Numbers (1988) was directed by Peter Greenaway and stars Joan Plowright, Juliet Stevenson, Joely Richardson.