Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Kernel Score: 86% · 2,410 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Drama

Released: 1979-12-07

Runtime: 105 minutes

Is Kramer vs. Kramer worth watching?

Must-watch. A divorce leaves a workaholic dad suddenly raising his young son. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep play both sides fairly, and the story feels honest. It's a quiet, human drama that holds up well.

Watch it if you

  • like grounded family dramas
  • enjoy strong acting
  • want a divorce story told fairly

Skip it if you

  • want plot twists
  • find custody-battle stories too heavy

Best for: Serious drama night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Kramer vs. Kramer

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Ted Kramer is a career man for whom his work comes before his family. His wife Joanna cannot take this anymore, so she decides to leave him. Ted is now faced with the tasks of housekeeping and taking care of himself and their young son Billy.

Kramer vs. Kramer parents' guide: ages 8+

Parents need to know that Kramer vs. Kramer is a PG drama depicting a father navigating divorce and a custody battle for his young son.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Kramer vs. Kramer

If you liked Kramer vs. Kramer, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Scenes from a Marriage (1974) — 88%: Bergman's unflinching look at a marriage coming apart.
  • Boyhood (2014) — 84%: Quiet, honest portrait of a family over time.
  • Custody (2018) — 84%: Tense custody drama showing what a split does to a child.
  • What Maisie Knew (2013) — 79%: Divorce as seen through the eyes of a child.
  • The Judge (2014) — 84%: Family drama about a father and the past he faces.
  • The Glass Castle (2017) — 80%: Family drama of a flawed parent and a loyal child.

Director

Robert Benton

Cast

  • Dustin Hoffman as Ted Kramer
  • Meryl Streep as Joanna Kramer
  • Jane Alexander as Margaret Phelps
  • Justin Henry as Billy Kramer
  • Howard Duff as John Shaunessy
  • George Coe as Jim O'Connor
  • JoBeth Williams as Phyllis Bernard
  • Bill Moor as Gressen
  • Howland Chamberlain as Judge Atkins
  • Jack Ramage as Spencer

Kramer vs. Kramer FAQ

Is Kramer vs. Kramer worth watching?

Must-watch. A divorce leaves a workaholic dad suddenly raising his young son. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep play both sides fairly, and the story feels honest. It's a quiet, human drama that holds up well.

Where can I watch Kramer vs. Kramer?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Kramer vs. Kramer OK for kids?

Kramer vs. Kramer is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Kramer vs. Kramer is a PG drama depicting a father navigating divorce and a custody battle for his young son.

What movies are like Kramer vs. Kramer?

If you liked Kramer vs. Kramer, try Scenes from a Marriage, Boyhood, Custody and What Maisie Knew.