American Beauty (1999)
Kernel Score: 94% · 12,852 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1999-09-15
Runtime: 122 minutes
Is American Beauty worth watching?
Must-watch. A sharp, darkly funny look at suburban unhappiness, with Kevin Spacey's mid-life crisis at the centre. Beautifully made and well acted. Parts of the premise sit uncomfortably now, and that is partly the point.
Watch it if you
- like dark satire about everyday life
- want sharp performances and striking visuals
- enjoy stories that question the American dream
Skip it if you
- dislike uncomfortable or morally murky stories
- want an uplifting watch
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch American Beauty
- Free with ads: Hoopla
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father in a mid-life crisis, decides to turn his hectic life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter's attractive friend.
American Beauty parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that American Beauty is an R-rated drama with adult themes including adultery, sexual fantasy, and a midlife crisis.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Includes adultery, sexual fantasy sequences, and an inappropriate infatuation with a teenager.
- Language: Moderate — R rating with dark suburban satire suggests strong language throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like American Beauty
If you liked American Beauty, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Revolutionary Road (2008) — 79%: Same director on another unhappy marriage, with painful honesty.
- Magnolia (1999) — 88%: Ensemble drama of broken lives in another stylised, ambitious film.
- The Apartment (1960) — 91%: Classic comedy-drama of loneliness and quiet rebellion.
- Fight Club (1999) — 96%: Another 1999 film about a man breaking away from his empty life.
- Road to Perdition (2002) — 84%: Same director again, with a slow-burn, beautifully shot story.
- Nocturnal Animals (2016) — 83%: Stylish, dark drama about regret and a messy marriage.
Director
Cast
- Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham
- Annette Bening as Carolyn Burnham
- Thora Birch as Jane Burnham
- Wes Bentley as Ricky Fitts
- Mena Suvari as Angela Hayes
- Peter Gallagher as Buddy Kane
- Allison Janney as Barbara Fitts
- Chris Cooper as Colonel Fitts
- Scott Bakula as Jim Olmeyer
- Sam Robards as Jim Berkley
American Beauty FAQ
Is American Beauty worth watching?
Must-watch. A sharp, darkly funny look at suburban unhappiness, with Kevin Spacey's mid-life crisis at the centre. Beautifully made and well acted. Parts of the premise sit uncomfortably now, and that is partly the point.
Where can I watch American Beauty?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is American Beauty OK for kids?
American Beauty is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that American Beauty is an R-rated drama with adult themes including adultery, sexual fantasy, and a midlife crisis.
What movies are like American Beauty?
If you liked American Beauty, try Revolutionary Road, Magnolia, The Apartment and Fight Club.