Boyhood (2014)

Kernel Score: 84% · 5,445 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Drama

Released: 2014-06-05

Runtime: 165 minutes

Is Boyhood worth watching?

Worth watching. A family drama filmed over twelve years with the same cast, so you watch a boy grow up for real. It's long and loosely plotted, but moving in its small moments. Patient viewers will find it rewarding.

Watch it if you

  • like quiet, observational drama
  • enjoy coming-of-age stories
  • are curious about the filming idea

Skip it if you

  • want a strong plot
  • dislike nearly three-hour runtimes

Best for: Long reflective evening

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Boyhood

  • Stream: AMC+, Sundance Now
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, Philo, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Plex
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

The film tells a story of a divorced couple trying to raise their young son. The story follows the boy for twelve years, from first grade at age 6 through 12th grade at age 17-18, and examines his relationship with his parents as he grows.

Boyhood parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Boyhood is an R-rated drama following a boy's upbringing amid divorce and a stepfather's domestic abuse.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes a subplot involving an abusive husband and domestic abuse within the family, rated R.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Boyhood

If you liked Boyhood, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Before Sunrise (1995) — 89%: Same director, talk-driven and human.
  • Before Sunset (2004) — 87%: Same director, with the same characters a decade on.
  • Before Midnight (2013) — 86%: Same director, the third film of a story over time.
  • Dazed and Confused (1993) — 83%: Same director's funny snapshot of teenage life.
  • The Fabelmans (2022) — 85%: Coming-of-age story drawn from a director's life.
  • Short Term 12 (2013) — 86%: Warm, realistic drama about young people.

Director

Richard Linklater

Cast

  • Ellar Coltrane as Mason
  • Patricia Arquette as Mom
  • Ethan Hawke as Dad
  • Lorelei Linklater as Samantha
  • Libby Villari as Grandma
  • Marco Perella as Professor Bill Welbrock
  • Brad Hawkins as Jim
  • Jamie Howard as Mindy
  • Andrew Villarreal as Randy
  • Jenni Tooley as Annie

Boyhood FAQ

Is Boyhood worth watching?

Worth watching. A family drama filmed over twelve years with the same cast, so you watch a boy grow up for real. It's long and loosely plotted, but moving in its small moments. Patient viewers will find it rewarding.

Where can I watch Boyhood?

In the US you can stream Boyhood on AMC+ and Sundance Now, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Philo, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Boyhood OK for kids?

Boyhood is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Boyhood is an R-rated drama following a boy's upbringing amid divorce and a stepfather's domestic abuse.

What movies are like Boyhood?

If you liked Boyhood, try Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight and Dazed and Confused.