American Splendor (2003)
Kernel Score: 80% · 526 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2003-08-15
Runtime: 101 minutes
Where to watch American Splendor
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
An original mix of fiction and reality illuminates the life of comic book hero everyman Harvey Pekar.
American Splendor parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that American Splendor is an R-rated biographical dramedy about comic writer Harvey Pekar.
- Language: Moderate — As an R-rated biographical dramedy about a cynical everyman, blunt and coarse language is likely.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like American Splendor
If you liked American Splendor, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Deconstructing Harry (1997) — 82%
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Director
Shari Springer Berman
Cast
- Paul Giamatti as Harvey Pekar
- Hope Davis as Joyce Brabner
- Judah Friedlander as Toby Radloff
- James Urbaniak as Robert Crumb
- Earl Billings as Mr. Boats
- James McCaffrey as Fred
- Maggie Moore as Alice Quinn
- Vivienne Benesch as Lana
- Daniel Tay as Young Harvey
- Harvey Pekar as Real Harvey
American Splendor FAQ
Is American Splendor good?
American Splendor has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 526 audience ratings.
Where can I watch American Splendor?
In the US you can stream American Splendor on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is American Splendor OK for kids?
American Splendor is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that American Splendor is an R-rated biographical dramedy about comic writer Harvey Pekar.