Beautiful Thing (1996)
Kernel Score: 79% · 336 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 1996-06-21
Runtime: 92 minutes
Where to watch Beautiful Thing
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
During a long, hot summer on the Thamesmead Estate in Southeast London, three teenagers edge towards adulthood.
Beautiful Thing parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Beautiful Thing is a coming-of-age drama depicting a teenage same-sex relationship and coming out story.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Centers on teenage sexuality and a same-sex coming-out storyline between two teenage boys.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Beautiful Thing
If you liked Beautiful Thing, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- All of Us Strangers (2023) — 85%
- Maurice (1987) — 87%
- Love, Simon (2018) — 89%
- But I'm a Cheerleader (2000) — 78%
- Loose Cannons (2010) — 81%
- Show Me Love (1998) — 79%
- Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (1980) — 84%
- Deep End (1971) — 76%
Director
Hettie Macdonald
Cast
- Glen Berry as Jamie Gangel
- Scott Neal as Steven Pearce
- Linda Henry as Sandra Gangel
- Tameka Empson as Leah
- Ben Daniels as Tony
- Meera Syal as Miss Chauhan
- Garry Cooper as Ronnie Pearce
- Jeillo Edwards as Rose
- Terry Duggan as Kevin
- Anna Karen as Marlene
Beautiful Thing FAQ
Is Beautiful Thing good?
Beautiful Thing has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 336 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Beautiful Thing?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Beautiful Thing OK for kids?
Beautiful Thing is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Beautiful Thing is a coming-of-age drama depicting a teenage same-sex relationship and coming out story.
What movies are like Beautiful Thing?
If you liked Beautiful Thing, try All of Us Strangers, Maurice, Love, Simon and But I'm a Cheerleader.