Forrest Gump (1994)
Kernel Score: 97% · 29,341 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 1994-06-23
Runtime: 142 minutes
Is Forrest Gump worth watching?
Must-watch. A gentle, funny and sometimes sad trip through decades of American history, told through one decent man. It's sentimental, but Hanks makes it feel sincere rather than sugary.
Watch it if you
- like warm, character-driven stories
- enjoy a film that covers a whole life
- want an emotional, feel-good watch
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimental storytelling
- want a more cynical or realistic take
Best for: Relaxed evening in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Forrest Gump
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free
- 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
A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him.
Forrest Gump parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Forrest Gump is a PG-13 drama with war violence, drug addiction and mature themes, wrapped in a deeply warm story about kindness and perseverance.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes Vietnam War combat with wounded and killed soldiers, plus other moments of peril and loss.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Romantic relationships and implied sexual situations, handled without explicit nudity.
- Language: Some — Some profanity across the film's decades-spanning story.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Depicts drug addiction, plus drinking and period-accurate smoking.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Forrest Gump
If you liked Forrest Gump, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Cast Away (2000) — 88%: Tom Hanks carrying a story of survival and loss.
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) — 86%: A whole life told as a fable across decades.
- Being There (1979) — 85%: Gentle story of a simple man who is misunderstood.
- The Holdovers (2023) — 86%: Warm, funny drama about unlikely friendship.
- Born on the Fourth of July (1989) — 79%: Another look at America's story through a soldier's eyes.
- Back to the Future (1985) — 95%: A funny, sweet time-hopping adventure.
Director
Cast
- Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump
- Robin Wright as Jenny Curran
- Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan Taylor
- Sally Field as Mrs. Gump
- Mykelti Williamson as Bubba Blue
- Michael Conner Humphreys as Young Forrest Gump
- Hanna Hall as Young Jenny Curran
- Haley Joel Osment as Forrest Junior
- Siobhan Fallon Hogan as School Bus Driver
- Rebecca Williams as Nurse at Park Bench
Forrest Gump FAQ
Is Forrest Gump worth watching?
Must-watch. A gentle, funny and sometimes sad trip through decades of American history, told through one decent man. It's sentimental, but Hanks makes it feel sincere rather than sugary.
Where can I watch Forrest Gump?
In the US you can stream Forrest Gump on Fubo, Paramount+ and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and YouTube Free and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Forrest Gump OK for kids?
Forrest Gump is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Forrest Gump is a PG-13 drama with war violence, drug addiction and mature themes, wrapped in a deeply warm story about kindness and perseverance.
What movies are like Forrest Gump?
If you liked Forrest Gump, try Cast Away, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Being There and The Holdovers.