Lion (2016)
Kernel Score: 91% · 6,888 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2016-11-24
Runtime: 118 minutes
Is Lion worth watching?
Must-watch. A true story about a lost boy who finds his way home 25 years later, and it earns its tears. Dev Patel is excellent, and the young lead in the first half is remarkable.
Watch it if you
- like true stories about family
- want a moving drama
- can handle emotional, sad stretches
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimental stories
- want a fast pace in the second half
Best for: Quiet night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Lion
- Stream: Netflix
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A five-year-old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometers from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia; 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.
Lion parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Lion is a PG-13 drama based on a true story of a lost child's journey to find his way home.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Lion
If you liked Lion, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Nowhere Special (2020) — 81%: Quiet, sincere drama about a parent and child.
- Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) — 75%: True story of children trying to get home.
- Invisible Life (2019) — 86%: Emotional family drama about separation and distance.
- In Safe Hands (2018) — 84%: Drama about adoption and the pain of letting go.
- 3096 Days (2013) — 83%: True survival drama driven by a will to get home.
Director
Garth Davis
Cast
- Dev Patel as Saroo Brierley
- Rooney Mara as Lucy
- David Wenham as John Brierley
- Nicole Kidman as Sue Brierley
- Abhishek Bharate as Guddu
- Divian Ladwa as Mantosh Brierley
- Priyanka Bose as Kamla Munshi
- Deepti Naval as Saroj Sood
- Tannishtha Chatterjee as Noor
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Rama
Lion FAQ
Is Lion worth watching?
Must-watch. A true story about a lost boy who finds his way home 25 years later, and it earns its tears. Dev Patel is excellent, and the young lead in the first half is remarkable.
Where can I watch Lion?
In the US you can stream Lion on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Lion OK for kids?
Lion is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Lion is a PG-13 drama based on a true story of a lost child's journey to find his way home.
What movies are like Lion?
If you liked Lion, try Nowhere Special, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Invisible Life and In Safe Hands.