High Fidelity (2000)
Kernel Score: 79% · 2,146 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Music
Released: 2000-03-17
Runtime: 113 minutes
Is High Fidelity worth watching?
Worth watching. A record-store owner reviews his worst breakups, talking straight to the camera. It's funny, music-obsessed and very male-neurotic, and it works if you can put up with a self-absorbed hero.
Watch it if you
- love music nerd culture
- like talky relationship comedies
- enjoy a lead who talks to the camera
Skip it if you
- can't stand self-centered main characters
- want a more romantic ending
Best for: Date night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch High Fidelity
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
After his long-time girlfriend dumps him, a thirty-year-old record store owner seeks to understand why he is unlucky in love while recounting his "top five breakups of all time".
High Fidelity parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that High Fidelity follows an adult record store owner recounting breakups, with frequent strong language and frank talk about sex and relationships.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Frank discussion of past relationships and breakups; some sexual content implied but not graphic.
- Language: Strong — Frequent strong profanity throughout, typical of an R-rated adult comedy-drama.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Casual drinking is shown as part of the adult social scene.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like High Fidelity
If you liked High Fidelity, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Music-driven story with great songs and heart.
- Begin Again (2014) — 80%: Music-centered romance with a grown-up tone.
- La La Land (2016) — 90%: Love story where music drives everything.
- Chungking Express (1994) — 91%: Offbeat city romance full of lonely people.
- CODA (2021) — 90%: Warm, music-filled story about family and love.
Director
Stephen Frears
Cast
- John Cusack as Rob Gordon
- Iben Hjejle as Laura
- Todd Louiso as Dick
- Jack Black as Barry Judd
- Lisa Bonet as Marie DeSalle
- Catherine Zeta-Jones as Charlie Nicholson
- Joan Cusack as Liz
- Tim Robbins as Ian Raymond
- Chris Rehmann as Vince
- Ben Carr as Justin
High Fidelity FAQ
Is High Fidelity worth watching?
Worth watching. A record-store owner reviews his worst breakups, talking straight to the camera. It's funny, music-obsessed and very male-neurotic, and it works if you can put up with a self-absorbed hero.
Where can I watch High Fidelity?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is High Fidelity OK for kids?
High Fidelity is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that High Fidelity follows an adult record store owner recounting breakups, with frequent strong language and frank talk about sex and relationships.
What movies are like High Fidelity?
If you liked High Fidelity, try Sing Street, Begin Again, La La Land and Chungking Express.