Clerks (1994)
Kernel Score: 82% · 2,708 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy
Released: 1994-10-19
Runtime: 92 minutes
Is Clerks worth watching?
Worth watching. A cheap, black-and-white, talky comedy about two bored convenience-store clerks that became an indie landmark. It's crude and rough around the edges, but the dialogue is sharp and funny.
Watch it if you
- like dialogue-heavy, low-budget comedies
- enjoy slacker humour
- are curious about 90s indie film
Skip it if you
- dislike crude language and rough production
- want a polished or plotty comedy
Best for: Friends movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Clerks
- Stream: Paramount+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Convenience and video store clerks Dante and Randal are sharp-witted, potty-mouthed and bored out of their minds. So in between needling customers, the counter jockeys play hockey on the roof, visit a funeral home and deal with their love lives.
Clerks parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Clerks is an R-rated comedy with constant crude language and sexual dialogue.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Frequent crude sexual conversation among the store clerks.
- Language: Intense — Rated R for pervasive profanity; the film is known for its 'potty-mouthed' dialogue throughout.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Convenience store/gas station setting includes casual references to smoking and vice.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Clerks
If you liked Clerks, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dogma (1999) — 76%: Same director's bigger, more outrageous comedy.
- Pulp Fiction (1994) — 93%: Talkative 90s indie crime film with great dialogue.
- Shadows in Paradise (1986) — 81%: Deadpan, low-key comedy about bored working-class people.
- South Park (Not Suitable for Children) (2023) — 85%: Crude, irreverent comedy that pushes every limit.
Director
Cast
- Brian O'Halloran as Dante
- Jeff Anderson as Randal
- Marilyn Ghigliotti as Veronica
- Lisa Spoonauer as Caitlin
- Jason Mewes as Jay
- Kevin Smith as Silent Bob
- Scott Mosier as William the Idiot Manchild / Angry Hockey-Playing Customer / Angry Mourner
- Scott Schiaffo as Chewlie's Rep
- Al Berkowitz as Old Man
- Walt Flanagan as Woolen Cap Smoker / Egg Man / Offended Customer / Cat-Admiring Bitter Customer
Clerks FAQ
Is Clerks worth watching?
Worth watching. A cheap, black-and-white, talky comedy about two bored convenience-store clerks that became an indie landmark. It's crude and rough around the edges, but the dialogue is sharp and funny.
Where can I watch Clerks?
In the US you can stream Clerks on Paramount+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Clerks OK for kids?
Clerks is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Clerks is an R-rated comedy with constant crude language and sexual dialogue.
What movies are like Clerks?
If you liked Clerks, try Dogma, Pulp Fiction, Shadows in Paradise and South Park (Not Suitable for Children).