Just Like Heaven (2005)
Kernel Score: 76% · 2,527 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
Released: 2005-09-16
Runtime: 95 minutes
Is Just Like Heaven worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A romantic comedy where a lonely man shares his apartment with a woman who may be a ghost. The leads are charming and the premise is sweet, but the story is predictable and slightly clumsy.
Watch it if you
- like light supernatural rom-coms
- enjoy Witherspoon and Ruffalo
- want something undemanding
Skip it if you
- want a fresh or witty script
- dislike sentimental endings
Best for: Easy date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Just Like Heaven
- Free with ads: Hoopla, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Shortly after David Abbott moves into his new San Francisco digs, he has an unwelcome visitor on his hands: winsome Elizabeth Masterson, who asserts that the apartment is hers -- and promptly vanishes. When she starts appearing and disappearing at will, David thinks she's a ghost, while Elizabeth is convinced she's alive.
Just Like Heaven parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Just Like Heaven is a romantic comedy fantasy involving a coma patient and a ghostly love story.
- Violence & scariness: A little — A car accident and coma are referenced but not shown graphically.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Just Like Heaven
If you liked Just Like Heaven, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Stranger Than Fiction (2006) — 81%: Whimsical romantic fantasy with a high-concept hook
- Ruby Sparks (2012) — 79%: Romantic fantasy about a creation come to life
- The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) — 82%: Gentle fantasy romance about an impossible love
- The Vow (2012) — 81%: Romance tested by memory loss
- La La Land (2016) — 90%: Sweet, bittersweet romance
- The Apartment (1960) — 91%: Classic romantic comedy with real feeling
Director
Mark Waters
Cast
- Reese Witherspoon as Dr. Elizabeth Masterson
- Mark Ruffalo as David Abbott
- Donal Logue as Jack Houriskey
- Dina Spybey-Waters as Abby Brody
- Ben Shenkman as Dr. Brett Rushton
- Jon Heder as Darryl
- Ivana Miličević as Katrina
- Caroline Aaron as Grace
- Rosalind Chao as Fran
- Ron Canada as Dr. Walsh
Just Like Heaven FAQ
Is Just Like Heaven worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A romantic comedy where a lonely man shares his apartment with a woman who may be a ghost. The leads are charming and the premise is sweet, but the story is predictable and slightly clumsy.
Where can I watch Just Like Heaven?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Just Like Heaven OK for kids?
Just Like Heaven is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Just Like Heaven is a romantic comedy fantasy involving a coma patient and a ghostly love story.
What movies are like Just Like Heaven?
If you liked Just Like Heaven, try Stranger Than Fiction, Ruby Sparks, The Purple Rose of Cairo and The Vow.