Lovers of the Arctic Circle (1998)
Kernel Score: 81% · 268 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance
Released: 1998-09-04
Runtime: 112 minutes
Where to watch Lovers of the Arctic Circle
- Rent: Prime Video
- Buy: Prime Video
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
As young children, Otto and Ana become best friends, leading to the marriage of Ana's mother to Otto's father. When Otto and Ana become teenagers, they begin a sexual relationship, which they hide from their parents. The two fall deeply in love and seem destined to spend the rest of their lives together. However, their relationship is tested when Otto's mother dies and the two are separated.
Lovers of the Arctic Circle parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Lovers of the Arctic Circle is an R-rated drama about two step-siblings who fall into a secret sexual relationship as teenagers.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Includes a suicide as a plot element, not shown graphically per available signals.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — R-rated drama centers on a hidden teenage sexual relationship between step-siblings, along with themes of suicide.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Lovers of the Arctic Circle
If you liked Lovers of the Arctic Circle, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Atonement (2007) — 85%
- My Fault (2023) — 87%
- Like Water for Chocolate (1992) — 81%
- All of Us Strangers (2023) — 85%
- Your Fault (2024) — 79%
- Journey to Italy (1954) — 83%
- Juno (2007) — 79%
- Veer-Zaara (2004) — 82%
Director
Julio Medem
Cast
- Najwa Nimri as Young Ana
- Fele Martínez as Young Otto
- Nancho Novo as Álvaro
- Maru Valdivielso as Olga
- Sara Valiente as Child Ana
- Peru Medem as Child Otto
- Kristel Díaz as Teenage Ana
- Víctor Hugo Oliveira as Teenage Otto
- Beate Jensen as Otto's Mother
- Rosa Morales as Sofía
Lovers of the Arctic Circle FAQ
Is Lovers of the Arctic Circle good?
Lovers of the Arctic Circle has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 268 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Lovers of the Arctic Circle?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video.
Is Lovers of the Arctic Circle OK for kids?
Lovers of the Arctic Circle is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Lovers of the Arctic Circle is an R-rated drama about two step-siblings who fall into a secret sexual relationship as teenagers.
What movies are like Lovers of the Arctic Circle?
If you liked Lovers of the Arctic Circle, try Atonement, My Fault, Like Water for Chocolate and All of Us Strangers.