Lost in Translation (2003)
Kernel Score: 85% · 7,927 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: 2003-09-18
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is Lost in Translation worth watching?
Worth watching. A quiet, funny and tender film about two lonely strangers in Tokyo. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are excellent, but if you want a plot you may feel nothing happens.
Watch it if you
- like quiet character-driven films
- enjoy melancholy, understated comedy
- appreciate great acting more than plot
Skip it if you
- need a plot that moves
- dislike open endings
Best for: Quiet night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Lost in Translation
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Two lost souls visiting Tokyo -- the young, neglected wife of a photographer and a washed-up movie star shooting a TV commercial -- find an odd solace and pensive freedom to be real in each other's company, away from their lives in America.
Lost in Translation parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Lost in Translation (R) involves an adulterous emotional connection between two lonely travelers in Tokyo.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Depicts a flirtatious, emotionally intimate relationship between a married man and married woman, touching on adultery.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Lost in Translation
If you liked Lost in Translation, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Chungking Express (1994) — 91%: Lonely city romance with the same dreamy mood.
- The Apartment (1960) — 91%: Bittersweet comedy about lonely people connecting.
- The Virgin Suicides (2000) — 79%: The same director's debut, hazy and melancholy.
- Marie Antoinette (2006) — 71%: Same director, stylish and wistful.
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995) — 86%: Slow, grown-up romance about a brief connection.
- Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Warm, bittersweet look at young hearts.
Director
Cast
- Bill Murray as Bob Harris
- Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte
- Giovanni Ribisi as John
- Anna Faris as Kelly
- Akiko Takeshita as Ms. Kawasaki
- Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe as Press Agent
- Kazuko Shibata as Press Agent
- Take as Press Agent
- Ryuichiro Baba as Concierge
- Akira Yamaguchi as Bellboy
Lost in Translation FAQ
Is Lost in Translation worth watching?
Worth watching. A quiet, funny and tender film about two lonely strangers in Tokyo. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are excellent, but if you want a plot you may feel nothing happens.
Where can I watch Lost in Translation?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Lost in Translation OK for kids?
Lost in Translation is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Lost in Translation (R) involves an adulterous emotional connection between two lonely travelers in Tokyo.
What movies are like Lost in Translation?
If you liked Lost in Translation, try Chungking Express, The Apartment, The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette.