Moonlight (2016)
Kernel Score: 85% · 7,435 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2016-10-21
Runtime: 111 minutes
Is Moonlight worth watching?
Must-watch. A quiet, beautifully made portrait of one man across three stages of his life. It's tender, subtle and absorbing, and the acting is superb.
Watch it if you
- like intimate character dramas
- enjoy poetic, visual filmmaking
- want an emotional story
Skip it if you
- want a fast plot
- dislike slow, quiet pacing
Best for: Quiet night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Moonlight
- Stream: Netflix
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality.
Moonlight parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Moonlight is an R-rated drama dealing with drug dealing, addiction, bullying, and a young man's coming of age.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes bullying, fighting, and depictions tied to drug dealing and street life.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Drug dealing and addiction are central plot elements throughout the film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Moonlight
If you liked Moonlight, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Close (2022) — 88%: A delicate story of friendship and loss.
- The Florida Project (2017) — 83%: A childlike view of a harsh life.
- Happy Together (1997) — 87%: A moody, tender love story.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) — 87%: A tender story of outsiders finding each other.
- Monster (2023) — 90%: A subtle, moving story seen from different views.
- Paris Is Burning (1991) — 88%: A raw documentary about identity and belonging.
Director
Cast
- Trevante Rhodes as Black
- André Holland as Kevin
- Janelle Monáe as Teresa
- Ashton Sanders as Chiron
- Jharrel Jerome as Kevin Age 16
- Alex R. Hibbert as Little
- Jaden Piner as Kevin Age 9
- Naomie Harris as Paula
- Mahershala Ali as Juan
- Shariff Earp as Terrence
Moonlight FAQ
Is Moonlight worth watching?
Must-watch. A quiet, beautifully made portrait of one man across three stages of his life. It's tender, subtle and absorbing, and the acting is superb.
Where can I watch Moonlight?
In the US you can stream Moonlight on Netflix, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Moonlight OK for kids?
Moonlight is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Moonlight is an R-rated drama dealing with drug dealing, addiction, bullying, and a young man's coming of age.
What movies are like Moonlight?
If you liked Moonlight, try Close, The Florida Project, Happy Together and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.