It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
Kernel Score: 76% · 2,430 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2010-10-08
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is It's Kind of a Funny Story worth watching?
Worth watching. A depressed teenager checks into an adult psych ward and finds unexpected friends. It's gentle, funny and honest enough about mental health to feel real. It's lightweight, and it doesn't dig very deep.
Watch it if you
- like warm, offbeat coming-of-age stories
- want a mental-health story with humor
- enjoy character-driven indie comedies
Skip it if you
- want a hard-hitting or clinical portrayal
- dislike quirky, sentimental tone
Best for: Easy night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch It's Kind of a Funny Story
- Stream: Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A clinically depressed teenager gets a new start after he checks himself into an adult psychiatric ward.
It's Kind of a Funny Story parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that It's Kind of a Funny Story deals frankly with teen depression and suicidal thoughts in a psychiatric ward setting.
- Violence & scariness: A little — No physical violence shown; the intensity is emotional/psychological around a suicide attempt and its aftermath.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Set partly among adult psychiatric patients, with references to substance issues among some characters.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like It's Kind of a Funny Story
If you liked It's Kind of a Funny Story, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Girl, Interrupted (1999) — 86%: A young person finds connection inside a psychiatric ward.
- All the Bright Places (2020) — 86%: Teen drama about mental health, with warmth and sadness.
- Love, Simon (2018) — 89%: Warm, funny coming-of-age story with real heart.
- Turtles All the Way Down (2024) — 80%: Teen drama about anxiety and friendship.
- Patch Adams (1998) — 84%: Comedy-drama about healing through humor and human connection.
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) — 85%: Smart, funny teen story with an engaging, offbeat lead.
Director
Anna Boden
Cast
- Keir Gilchrist as Craig Gilner
- Emma Roberts as Noelle
- Zach Galifianakis as Bobby
- Viola Davis as Dr. Eden Minerva
- Lauren Graham as Lynn Gilner
- Jim Gaffigan as George Gilner
- Jeremy Davies as Smitty
- Zoë Kravitz as Nia
- Bernard White as Muqtada
- Thomas Mann as Aaron Fitzcarraldo
It's Kind of a Funny Story FAQ
Is It's Kind of a Funny Story worth watching?
Worth watching. A depressed teenager checks into an adult psych ward and finds unexpected friends. It's gentle, funny and honest enough about mental health to feel real. It's lightweight, and it doesn't dig very deep.
Where can I watch It's Kind of a Funny Story?
In the US you can stream It's Kind of a Funny Story on Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is It's Kind of a Funny Story OK for kids?
It's Kind of a Funny Story is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that It's Kind of a Funny Story deals frankly with teen depression and suicidal thoughts in a psychiatric ward setting.
What movies are like It's Kind of a Funny Story?
If you liked It's Kind of a Funny Story, try Girl, Interrupted, All the Bright Places, Love, Simon and Turtles All the Way Down.