Life Itself (2014)
Kernel Score: 83% · 365 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Documentary
Released: 2014-07-04
Runtime: 121 minutes
Where to watch Life Itself
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Philo, YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The surprising and entertaining life of renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert (1942-2013): his early days as a freewheeling bachelor and Pulitzer Prize winner, his famously contentious partnership with Gene Siskel, his life-altering marriage, and his brave and transcendent battle with cancer.
Life Itself parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that Life Itself is an R-rated documentary biography of film critic Roger Ebert, covering his struggles with alcohol, cancer, and personal life.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — The documentary covers Ebert's early bachelor days and a rehabilitation center, implying past substance struggles.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Life Itself
If you liked Life Itself, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear (2022) — 78%
- Sly (2023) — 79%
- Val (2021) — 80%
- The Pixar Story (2007) — 86%
- Pamela, A Love Story (2023) — 78%
- All My Life (2020) — 89%
- My Friends Act II (1982) — 86%
- Paddleton (2019) — 77%
Director
Cast
- Stephen Stanton as Roger Ebert (voice)
- Roger Ebert as Self - Film Critic
- Chaz Ebert as Self - Ebert's Wife
- Ramin Bahrani as Self - Filmmaker
- Richard Corliss as Self - Film Critic
- Nancy De Los Santos as Self - TV Producer
- Ava DuVernay as Self - Filmmaker
- Bruce Elliot as Self - Ebert's Friend
- Laura Emerick as Self - Journalist
- Emil Evans as Self - Ebert's Step-Grandson
Life Itself FAQ
Is Life Itself good?
Life Itself has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 365 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Life Itself?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Philo, YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Life Itself OK for kids?
Life Itself is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that Life Itself is an R-rated documentary biography of film critic Roger Ebert, covering his struggles with alcohol, cancer, and personal life.
What movies are like Life Itself?
If you liked Life Itself, try Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear, Sly, Val and The Pixar Story.