Children of a Lesser God (1986)
Kernel Score: 74% · 337 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 1986-09-13
Runtime: 119 minutes
Where to watch Children of a Lesser God
- Stream: MGM+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
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 In spite of Sarah's withdrawn emotional state, a romance slowly develops between the pair.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.
- The Miracle Worker (1962) — 87%
- Mr. Holland's Opus (1995) — 76%
- The Best of Me (2014) — 84%
- Purple Hearts (2022) — 91%
- Black (2005) — 86%
- Silenced (2011) — 90%
- Immortal Beloved (1994) — 78%
- Radical (2023) — 91%
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 from 337 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Children of a Lesser God?
In the US you can stream Children of a Lesser God on MGM+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla 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 The Miracle Worker, Mr. Holland's Opus, The Best of Me and Purple Hearts.