Garden State (2004)
Kernel Score: 78% · 2,007 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 2004-07-28
Runtime: 102 minutes
Where to watch Garden State
- Stream: Prime Video
- Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Andrew returns to his hometown for his mother’s funeral, a journey that reconnects him with old friends. The trip coincides with his decision to stop taking his powerful antidepressants. A chance meeting with Sam—a girl also struggling with various maladies—opens up the possibility of rekindling emotional connections, confronting his psychologist father, and perhaps beginning a new life.
Garden State parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Garden State is an indie drama-comedy about a young man confronting depression, medication, and a funeral.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Includes references to marijuana use, ecstasy, and a character going off powerful antidepressants.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Garden State
If you liked Garden State, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) — 80%
- Irreplaceable You (2018) — 76%
- Wristcutters: A Love Story (2007) — 76%
- 8½ (1963) — 91%
- La Strada (1954) — 89%
- Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear (2022) — 78%
- Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020) — 91%
Director
Cast
- Zach Braff as Andrew Largeman
- Natalie Portman as Sam
- Ian Holm as Gideon Largeman
- Peter Sarsgaard as Mark
- Jean Smart as Carol
- Armando Riesco as Jesse
- Jackie Hoffman as Aunt Sylvia Largeman
- Method Man as Diego
- Alex Burns as Dave
- Ron Leibman as Dr. Cohen
Garden State FAQ
Is Garden State good?
Garden State has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 2,007 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Garden State?
In the US you can stream Garden State on Prime Video and rent it from Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is Garden State OK for kids?
Garden State is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Garden State is an indie drama-comedy about a young man confronting depression, medication, and a funeral.
What movies are like Garden State?
If you liked Garden State, try Cha Cha Real Smooth, Irreplaceable You, Wristcutters: A Love Story and 8½.