A Better Life (2011)
Kernel Score: 80% · 270 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2011-06-24
Runtime: 98 minutes
Where to watch A Better Life
- Free with ads: Hoopla, Fawesome, YouTube Free, Plex, Xumo Play
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while traveling across town to perform landscaping work for the city's wealthy landowners.
A Better Life parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that A Better Life is a PG-13 drama about an undocumented gardener trying to keep his son safe from gangs and immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The film touches on gang threats to a teenager, implying danger without graphic depiction.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A Better Life
If you liked A Better Life, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Book of Henry (2017) — 83%
- Short Term 12 (2013) — 86%
- Eternity and a Day (1998) — 87%
- In America (2003) — 80%
- Capernaum (2018) — 89%
- The Judge (2014) — 84%
- Biutiful (2010) — 82%
- What Maisie Knew (2013) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Demián Bichir as Carlos Riquelme
- José Julián as Luis Galindo
- Chelsea Rendon as Ruthie Valdez
- Dolores Heredia as Anita
- Joaquín Cosío as Blasco Martinez
- Carlos Linares as Santiago
- Bobby Soto as Facundo
- Nancy Lenehan as Mrs. Donnely
- Gabriel Chavarria as Ramon
- Tim Griffin as Charlie
A Better Life FAQ
Is A Better Life good?
A Better Life has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 270 audience ratings.
Where can I watch A Better Life?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Fawesome, YouTube Free, Plex and Xumo Play and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A Better Life OK for kids?
A Better Life is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that A Better Life is a PG-13 drama about an undocumented gardener trying to keep his son safe from gangs and immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
What movies are like A Better Life?
If you liked A Better Life, try The Book of Henry, Short Term 12, Eternity and a Day and In America.