Licorice Pizza (2021)
Kernel Score: 78% · 2,576 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: 2021-11-26
Runtime: 133 minutes
Is Licorice Pizza worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A loose, funny, nostalgic hangout film about a teen and an older girl in 1970s California. It's charming and wanders on purpose, but the age gap and meandering plot split viewers.
Watch it if you
- like relaxed, character-driven movies
- enjoy 1970s nostalgia
- are a Paul Thomas Anderson fan
Skip it if you
- want a tight plot
- are uncomfortable with the age gap in the central romance
Best for: Laid-back solo night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Licorice Pizza
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The story of Gary Valentine and Alana Kane growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.
Licorice Pizza parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that Licorice Pizza is a coming-of-age romance with sexual references, drug references, and mature relationship dynamics between characters with an age gap.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Romantic and sexual tension between teenage/young adult characters is central, though handled without explicit nudity.
- Language: Some — Some period-appropriate profanity occurs.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — 1970s setting includes some smoking and drinking in the background.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Licorice Pizza
If you liked Licorice Pizza, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Boogie Nights (1997) — 85%: Same director, 70s Valley setting, ensemble comedy and drama
- Magnolia (1999) — 88%: Same director, sprawling Los Angeles ensemble
- The Graduate (1967) — 86%: Aimless young man tangled up in an older woman
- Phantom Thread (2017) — 84%: Same director, a prickly, offbeat romance
- Say Anything... (1989) — 78%: Awkward young love and big romantic gestures
- There Will Be Blood (2007) — 89%: Same director, much darker; shows his range
Director
Cast
- Alana Haim as Alana Kane
- Cooper Hoffman as Gary Valentine
- Sean Penn as Jack Holden
- Tom Waits as Rex Blau
- Bradley Cooper as Jon Peters
- Benny Safdie as Joel Wachs
- Skyler Gisondo as Lance Brannigan
- Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Momma Anita
- John Michael Higgins as Jerry Frick
- Christine Ebersole as Lucille Doolittle
Licorice Pizza FAQ
Is Licorice Pizza worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A loose, funny, nostalgic hangout film about a teen and an older girl in 1970s California. It's charming and wanders on purpose, but the age gap and meandering plot split viewers.
Where can I watch Licorice Pizza?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Licorice Pizza OK for kids?
Licorice Pizza is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Licorice Pizza is a coming-of-age romance with sexual references, drug references, and mature relationship dynamics between characters with an age gap.
What movies are like Licorice Pizza?
If you liked Licorice Pizza, try Boogie Nights, Magnolia, The Graduate and Phantom Thread.