August Rush (2007)
Kernel Score: 85% · 2,806 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Family, Drama, Music
Released: 2007-11-21
Runtime: 114 minutes
Is August Rush worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A sentimental fairy tale about a musical prodigy searching for his parents. It's improbable and syrupy, but the music is lovely and it will work if you're ready to believe in it.
Watch it if you
- love feel-good music-driven stories
- enjoy emotional family dramas
- can accept a far-fetched plot
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimentality and coincidences
- want realistic drama
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch August Rush
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Lyla and Louis, a singer and a musician, fall in love, but are soon compelled to separate. Lyla is forced to give up her newborn but unknown to her, he grows up to become a musical genius.
August Rush parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that August Rush is a family drama about a musically gifted orphan searching for his birth parents.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like August Rush
If you liked August Rush, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- CODA (2021) — 90%: Warm family drama where music binds a family together.
- The Legend of 1900 (1998) — 92%: A gifted musician's fairy-tale life, told with sweetness.
- My Life as a Zucchini (2016) — 87%: A tender story about a lonely child finding family.
- tick, tick... BOOM! (2021) — 85%: A heartfelt, musical story about chasing a creative dream.
- Wonder (2017) — 90%: Uplifting family story that hits emotional notes honestly.
- The Secret Life of Bees (2008) — 86%: A young person's emotional search for family and belonging.
Director
Kirsten Sheridan
Cast
- Freddie Highmore as August Rush
- Keri Russell as Lyla Novacek
- Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Louis Connelly
- Terrence Howard as Richard Jeffries
- Robin Williams as Maxwell "Wizard" Wallace
- William Sadler as Thomas Novacek
- Marian Seldes as The Dean
- Mykelti Williamson as Reverend James
- Leon Thomas III as Arthur
- Aaron Staton as Nick
August Rush FAQ
Is August Rush worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A sentimental fairy tale about a musical prodigy searching for his parents. It's improbable and syrupy, but the music is lovely and it will work if you're ready to believe in it.
Where can I watch August Rush?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is August Rush OK for kids?
August Rush is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that August Rush is a family drama about a musically gifted orphan searching for his birth parents.
What movies are like August Rush?
If you liked August Rush, try CODA, The Legend of 1900, My Life as a Zucchini and tick, tick... BOOM!.