Boy A (2008)
Kernel Score: 81% · 489 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 2008-07-23
Runtime: 106 minutes
Where to watch Boy A
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fandango at Home, Prime Video (free with ads), Tubi, Amazon MX Player
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Freed after a lengthy term in a juvenile detention center, convicted child killer Jack Burridge finds work as a deliveryman and begins dating co-worker Michelle. While out on the road one day, Jack notices a distressed child, and, after reuniting the girl with her family, becomes a local celebrity. But when a local newspaper unearths his past, Jack must cope with the anger of citizens who fear for the safety of their children.
Boy A parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated drama follows a released child killer confronting a violent past that includes rape and incest.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Rated R with content involving child abuse, rape, and violent youth crime, including a killing central to the backstory.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Includes depictions of rape and incest as part of the traumatic backstory.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Boy A
If you liked Boy A, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Nocturnal Animals (2016) — 83%
- Mystic River (2003) — 89%
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%
- Sleepers (1996) — 87%
- We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) — 84%
- Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (2010) — 88%
- Primal Fear (1996) — 87%
- Cinema Paradiso (1988) — 91%
Director
John Crowley
Cast
- Andrew Garfield as Jack Burridge
- Katie Lyons as Michelle
- Peter Mullan as Terry
- Shaun Evans as Chris
- Siobhan Finneran as Kelly
- Alfie Owen as Eric Wilson
- James Young as Zeb
- Jeremy Swift as Dave
- Taylor Doherty as Philip Craig
- Anthony Lewis as Steve
Boy A FAQ
Is Boy A good?
Boy A has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 489 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Boy A?
In the US you can stream Boy A on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fandango at Home, Prime Video (free with ads), Tubi and Amazon MX Player and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Boy A OK for kids?
Boy A is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated drama follows a released child killer confronting a violent past that includes rape and incest.
What movies are like Boy A?
If you liked Boy A, try Nocturnal Animals, Mystic River, Once Upon a Time in America and Sleepers.