Begin Again (2014)
Kernel Score: 80% · 3,959 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Music, Romance, Drama
Released: 2014-06-27
Runtime: 104 minutes
Is Begin Again worth watching?
Worth watching. A songwriter and a washed-up music exec make an album on the streets of New York. It's warm, charming and full of good songs, and it's light in a way that works.
Watch it if you
- like feel-good music films
- enjoy Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley
- want a romance that isn't forced
Skip it if you
- want a tight plot
- dislike sweet, easy endings
Best for: Easy date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Begin Again
- Stream: Peacock
- Free with ads: The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Philo, Fandango at Home
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Gretta, a budding songwriter, finds herself alone after her boyfriend Dave ditches her. Her life gains purpose when Dan, a record label executive, notices her talent.
Begin Again parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Begin Again is an R-rated music drama involving infidelity and a broken relationship, with mature themes but no explicit content noted in available signals.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — A boyfriend's infidelity is a plot point, discussed rather than shown explicitly.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Begin Again
If you liked Begin Again, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Once (2007) — 82%: Same director's tender music story on a smaller scale
- Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Joyful story of making music with friends
- Flora and Son (2023) — 77%: Same director's later, warmer music story
- High Fidelity (2000) — 79%: Funny, music-obsessed story about love
- CODA (2021) — 90%: Warm, uplifting story where music brings people together
- Little Manhattan (2005) — 81%: Gentle New York love story
Director
Cast
- Mark Ruffalo as Dan Mulligan
- Keira Knightley as Gretta James
- Adam Levine as Dave Kohl
- Hailee Steinfeld as Violet Mulligan
- Catherine Keener as Miriam Hart
- James Corden as Steve
- Yasiin Bey as Saul
- Aya Cash as Jenny
- Maddie Corman as Phillis
- Karen Pittman as Business Woman
Begin Again FAQ
Is Begin Again worth watching?
Worth watching. A songwriter and a washed-up music exec make an album on the streets of New York. It's warm, charming and full of good songs, and it's light in a way that works.
Where can I watch Begin Again?
In the US you can stream Begin Again on Peacock, watch it free with ads on The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Philo and Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Begin Again OK for kids?
Begin Again is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Begin Again is an R-rated music drama involving infidelity and a broken relationship, with mature themes but no explicit content noted in available signals.
What movies are like Begin Again?
If you liked Begin Again, try Once, Sing Street, Flora and Son and High Fidelity.