Imitation of Life (1959)
Kernel Score: 82% · 312 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 1959-04-09
Runtime: 125 minutes
Where to watch Imitation of Life
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
Imitation of Life parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Imitation of Life is a classic drama exploring motherhood and race relations in 1940s-50s America.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Imitation of Life
If you liked Imitation of Life, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Secret: Dare to Dream (2020) — 81%
- Purple Hearts (2022) — 91%
- Hamnet (2025) — 86%
- Breathe (2017) — 83%
- C'mon C'mon (2021) — 82%
- A Place in the Sun (1951) — 82%
- A Child of My Own (2026) — 82%
- Barbie (2023) — 70%
Director
Douglas Sirk
Cast
- Lana Turner as Lora Meredith
- John Gavin as Steve Archer
- Juanita Moore as Annie Johnson
- Sandra Dee as Susie (16)
- Susan Kohner as Sarah Jane (18)
- Robert Alda as Allen Loomis
- Dan O'Herlihy as David Edwards
- Karin Dicker as Sarah Jane (8)
- Terry Burnham as Susie (6)
- John Vivyan as Young man
Imitation of Life FAQ
Is Imitation of Life good?
Imitation of Life has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 312 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Imitation of Life?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Imitation of Life OK for kids?
Imitation of Life is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Imitation of Life is a classic drama exploring motherhood and race relations in 1940s-50s America.
What movies are like Imitation of Life?
If you liked Imitation of Life, try The Secret: Dare to Dream, Purple Hearts, Hamnet and Breathe.