Manhattan (1979)
Kernel Score: 85% · 2,574 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 1979-04-25
Runtime: 96 minutes
Is Manhattan worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Woody Allen's black-and-white New York romance is beautifully shot and full of sharp talk. But the central relationship with a teenager is hard to get past, and the characters are self-absorbed.
Watch it if you
- love Woody Allen's talky New York comedies
- care about gorgeous black-and-white cinematography
- like jazz-scored city films
Skip it if you
- are bothered by a middle-aged man dating a teenager
- can't stand self-absorbed neurotic characters
Best for: Solo classic night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Manhattan
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Manhattan explores how the life of a middle-aged television writer dating a teenage girl is further complicated when he falls in love with his best friend's mistress.
Manhattan parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Manhattan is a Woody Allen romantic drama centering on a middle-aged man's relationship with a teenage girl, alongside adultery and mature relationship themes.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Centers on a romantic relationship between an adult man and a teenage girl, plus infidelity.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Manhattan
If you liked Manhattan, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Annie Hall (1977) — 86%: Allen's most loved comedy; also about love and neurosis
- Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) — 85%: Allen's ensemble of tangled New York relationships
- Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) — 85%: Allen's more serious take on guilt and betrayal
- Match Point (2005) — 85%: Allen on love, desire and moral consequences
- Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) — 82%: Lighter Allen and Keaton comedy
- Love and Death (1975) — 85%: Early, broad Allen comedy
Director
Cast
- Woody Allen as Isaac Davis
- Diane Keaton as Mary Wilkie
- Michael Murphy as Yale
- Mariel Hemingway as Tracy
- Meryl Streep as Jill
- Anne Byrne Hoffman as Emily
- Karen Ludwig as Connie
- Michael O'Donoghue as Dennis
- Gary Weis as Television Director
- Kenny Vance as Television Producer
Manhattan FAQ
Is Manhattan worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Woody Allen's black-and-white New York romance is beautifully shot and full of sharp talk. But the central relationship with a teenager is hard to get past, and the characters are self-absorbed.
Where can I watch Manhattan?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Manhattan OK for kids?
Manhattan is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Manhattan is a Woody Allen romantic drama centering on a middle-aged man's relationship with a teenage girl, alongside adultery and mature relationship themes.
What movies are like Manhattan?
If you liked Manhattan, try Annie Hall, Hannah and Her Sisters, Crimes and Misdemeanors and Match Point.