Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Kernel Score: 86% · 6,247 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 2012-05-16
Runtime: 94 minutes
Is Moonrise Kingdom worth watching?
Must-watch. Two twelve-year-olds run away together on a New England island, and the adults go after them. Wes Anderson's storybook look and dry humour suit the tale of first love, and the film is sweet and funny.
Watch it if you
- like Wes Anderson's carefully designed world
- enjoy dry, deadpan comedy
- want a tender story about first love
Skip it if you
- dislike stylised, mannered acting
- want realism
Best for: Cosy night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Moonrise Kingdom
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle.
Moonrise Kingdom parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Moonrise Kingdom is a PG-13 comedy-drama about two 12-year-olds who run away together, involving a search party and a brewing storm.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Includes a keyword referencing child smoking as a quirky detail in the story.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Moonrise Kingdom
If you liked Moonrise Kingdom, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) — 89%: Anderson's other beloved, witty, beautifully designed comedy
- Rushmore (1998) — 84%: Anderson's funny story of a boy in love
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) — 84%: Anderson's funny, sad family comedy
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) — 87%: Anderson's charming animated adventure
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) — 86%: Funny, warm story of a boy on the run
- Isle of Dogs (2018) — 87%: Anderson's inventive animated adventure with a dry wit
Director
Cast
- Jared Gilman as Sam Shakusky
- Kara Hayward as Suzy Bishop
- Bruce Willis as Captain Sharp
- Edward Norton as Scout Master Ward
- Bill Murray as Mr. Bishop
- Frances McDormand as Mrs. Bishop
- Tilda Swinton as Social Services
- Jason Schwartzman as Cousin Ben
- Bob Balaban as The Narrator
- Lucas Hedges as Redford
Moonrise Kingdom FAQ
Is Moonrise Kingdom worth watching?
Must-watch. Two twelve-year-olds run away together on a New England island, and the adults go after them. Wes Anderson's storybook look and dry humour suit the tale of first love, and the film is sweet and funny.
Where can I watch Moonrise Kingdom?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Moonrise Kingdom OK for kids?
Moonrise Kingdom is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Moonrise Kingdom is a PG-13 comedy-drama about two 12-year-olds who run away together, involving a search party and a brewing storm.
What movies are like Moonrise Kingdom?
If you liked Moonrise Kingdom, try The Grand Budapest Hotel, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and Fantastic Mr. Fox.