Children of a Lesser God (1986)
Kernel Score: 74% · 337 TMDB ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 1986-09-13
Runtime: 119 minutes
Where to watch Children of a Lesser God
- Stream: Fubo, Philo, MGM+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-12.
Overview
Starting his new job as an instructor at a New England school for the deaf, James Leeds meets Sarah Norman, a young deaf woman who works at the school as a member of the custodial staff. In spite of Sarah's withdrawn emotional state, a romance slowly develops between the pair.
Children of a Lesser God parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Children of a Lesser God is an R-rated romantic drama about a teacher and a deaf woman falling in love.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — R-rated drama includes a developing romantic relationship, implying some sexual content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Children of a Lesser God
If you liked Children of a Lesser God, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- CODA (2021) — 90%
- The Miracle Worker (1962) — 87%
- Winter Spring Summer or Fall (2024) — 80%
- Black (2005) — 86%
- Silenced (2011) — 90%
- Blue Valentine (2010) — 78%
- Radical (2023) — 91%
- The Bélier Family (2014) — 78%
Director
Randa Haines
Cast
- William Hurt as James Leeds
- Marlee Matlin as Sarah Norman
- Piper Laurie as Mrs. Norman
- Philip Bosco as Dr. Curtis Franklin
- Allison Gompf as Lydia
- John F. Cleary as Johnny
- Philip Holmes as Glen
- Georgia Ann Cline as Cheryl
- William D. Byrd as Danny
- Frank Carter Jr. as Tony
Children of a Lesser God FAQ
Is Children of a Lesser God good?
Children of a Lesser God has a 74% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch Children of a Lesser God?
In the US you can stream Children of a Lesser God on Fubo, Philo and MGM+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Children of a Lesser God OK for kids?
Children of a Lesser God is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Children of a Lesser God is an R-rated romantic drama about a teacher and a deaf woman falling in love.
What movies are like Children of a Lesser God?
If you liked Children of a Lesser God, try CODA, The Miracle Worker, Winter Spring Summer or Fall and Black.