A Star Is Born (2018)
Kernel Score: 84% · 12,130 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Music, Drama, Romance
Released: 2018-10-03
Runtime: 136 minutes
Is A Star Is Born worth watching?
Worth watching. A raw, emotional take on the familiar story of a famous musician and the singer he discovers. The performances and live-sounding music are strong; the second half turns heavy and predictable.
Watch it if you
- love music dramas
- like tragic romance
- enjoy great live performances
Skip it if you
- want an upbeat story
- dislike heavy themes of addiction
Best for: Date night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch A Star Is Born
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Seasoned musician Jackson Maine discovers — and falls in love with — struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer — until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.
A Star Is Born parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that A Star Is Born is an R-rated musical drama centered on addiction, alcoholism, and a musician's self-destruction.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Intense — Alcoholism and addiction are central to the plot as the male lead battles ongoing substance abuse.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A Star Is Born
If you liked A Star Is Born, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Walk the Line (2005) — 84%: Music biopic about love and addiction.
- Sound of Metal (2020) — 87%: Musician's life falls apart in an affecting drama.
- Rocketman (2019) — 81%: Colourful music drama about fame and struggle.
- Begin Again (2014) — 80%: Gentler music romance about making songs together.
- Ray (2004) — 84%: Music biopic about talent and addiction.
- A Star Is Born (1954) — 79%: An earlier version of the same story.
Director
Cast
- Lady Gaga as Ally Campana
- Bradley Cooper as Jackson Maine
- Sam Elliott as Bobby Maine
- Andrew Dice Clay as Lorenzo Campana
- Rafi Gavron as Rez Gavron
- Anthony Ramos as Ramon
- Dave Chappelle as George "Noodles" Stone
- Alec Baldwin as Alec Baldwin
- Marlon Williams as Marlon Williams
- Brandi Carlile as Brandi Carlile
A Star Is Born FAQ
Is A Star Is Born worth watching?
Worth watching. A raw, emotional take on the familiar story of a famous musician and the singer he discovers. The performances and live-sounding music are strong; the second half turns heavy and predictable.
Where can I watch A Star Is Born?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A Star Is Born OK for kids?
A Star Is Born is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that A Star Is Born is an R-rated musical drama centered on addiction, alcoholism, and a musician's self-destruction.
What movies are like A Star Is Born?
If you liked A Star Is Born, try Walk the Line, Sound of Metal, Rocketman and Begin Again.