Brooklyn (2015)
Kernel Score: 82% · 3,225 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Romance, Drama, History
Released: 2015-10-20
Runtime: 111 minutes
Is Brooklyn worth watching?
Worth watching. Saoirse Ronan is lovely as an Irish immigrant in 1950s New York torn between two men and two homes. It's gentle, beautifully made and sincerely moving, though low on conflict, so it suits viewers who like quiet period romance.
Watch it if you
- like gentle period romance
- admire Saoirse Ronan
- enjoy stories about leaving home
Skip it if you
- want high drama
- dislike slow-paced romance
Best for: Cozy date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Brooklyn
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 1950s Ireland and New York, young Eilis Lacey has to choose between two men and two countries.
Brooklyn parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Brooklyn is a gentle period romance about a young immigrant woman choosing between two lives.
- Violence & scariness: None — No meaningful violence in this romantic historical drama.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Mild romantic content consistent with a 1950s-set love story; nothing explicit.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Brooklyn
If you liked Brooklyn, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Little Women (2019) — 88%: Warm period drama led by Saoirse Ronan
- The Age of Innocence (1993) — 77%: Elegant romance in a restrictive society
- Persuasion (2007) — 81%: Gentle Austen romance
- The Duchess (2008) — 78%: Costume drama about love and duty
- Out of Africa (1985) — 80%: Sweeping romance about a woman's independence
- The Secret Scripture (2017) — 80%: Irish drama about love and the past
Director
John Crowley
Cast
- Saoirse Ronan as Eilis Lacey
- Domhnall Gleeson as Jim Farrell
- Emory Cohen as Tony Fiorello
- Jim Broadbent as Father Flood
- Julie Walters as Madge Kehoe
- Jessica Paré as Miss Fortini
- Eve Macklin as Diana Montini
- Brid Brennan as Miss Kelly
- Fiona Glascott as Rose Lacey
- Jane Brennan as Mary Lacey
Brooklyn FAQ
Is Brooklyn worth watching?
Worth watching. Saoirse Ronan is lovely as an Irish immigrant in 1950s New York torn between two men and two homes. It's gentle, beautifully made and sincerely moving, though low on conflict, so it suits viewers who like quiet period romance.
Where can I watch Brooklyn?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Brooklyn OK for kids?
Brooklyn is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Brooklyn is a gentle period romance about a young immigrant woman choosing between two lives.
What movies are like Brooklyn?
If you liked Brooklyn, try Little Women, The Age of Innocence, Persuasion and The Duchess.