A River Runs Through It (1992)
Kernel Score: 76% · 1,171 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama, Family
Released: 1992-10-09
Runtime: 123 minutes
Where to watch A River Runs Through It
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The Maclean brothers, Paul and Norman, live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The sons of a minister, the boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings resume their fishing outings, and assess where they've been and where they're going.
A River Runs Through It parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that A River Runs Through It is a PG-rated drama about two brothers growing up in rural Montana under their minister father.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Includes gambling and depictions of Prohibition-era drinking as a plot element.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A River Runs Through It
If you liked A River Runs Through It, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- In the Bedroom (2001) — 76%
- East of Eden (1955) — 84%
- The Straight Story (1999) — 89%
- Mud (2013) — 79%
- Train Dreams (2025) — 80%
- Shotgun Stories (2007) — 76%
- A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) — 85%
- The Cowboys (1972) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Craig Sheffer as Norman Maclean
- Brad Pitt as Paul Maclean
- Tom Skerritt as Rev. Maclean
- Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Maclean
- Emily Lloyd as Jessie Burns
- Edie McClurg as Mrs. Burns
- Stephen Shellen as Neal Burns
- Vann Gravage as Young Paul
- Nicole Burdette as Mabel
- Susan Traylor as Rawhide
A River Runs Through It FAQ
Is A River Runs Through It good?
A River Runs Through It has a 76% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,171 audience ratings.
Where can I watch A River Runs Through It?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A River Runs Through It OK for kids?
A River Runs Through It is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that A River Runs Through It is a PG-rated drama about two brothers growing up in rural Montana under their minister father.
What movies are like A River Runs Through It?
If you liked A River Runs Through It, try In the Bedroom, East of Eden, The Straight Story and Mud.