My Own Private Idaho (1991)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,213 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1991-02-01
Runtime: 104 minutes
Where to watch My Own Private Idaho
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In this loose adaptation of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," Mike Waters is a hustler afflicted with narcolepsy. Scott Favor is the rebellious son of a mayor. Together, the two travel from Portland, Oregon to Idaho and finally to the coast of Italy in a quest to find Mike's estranged mother. Along the way they turn tricks for money and drugs, eventually attracting the attention of a wealthy benefactor and sexual deviant.
My Own Private Idaho parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that My Own Private Idaho is an R-rated drama following two young hustlers dealing with narcolepsy, sex work, and drug use on a road trip.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Centers on male prostitution and sexual encounters as part of the characters' survival on the streets.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Cocaine use and drug-related activity are recurring elements tied to the hustler lifestyle depicted.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like My Own Private Idaho
If you liked My Own Private Idaho, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Beautiful Boy (2018) — 86%
- This Boy's Life (1993) — 78%
- There Will Be Blood (2007) — 89%
- Moonlight (2016) — 85%
- Accattone (1961) — 86%
- Uncle Frank (2020) — 80%
- Midnight Cowboy (1969) — 85%
- Mysterious Skin (2005) — 85%
Director
Cast
- River Phoenix as Mike Waters
- Keanu Reeves as Scott Favor
- James Russo as Richard Waters
- William Richert as Bob Pigeon
- Rodney Harvey as Gary
- Chiara Caselli as Carmella
- Michael Parker as Digger
- Jessica Makinson as Denise
- Flea as Budd
- Grace Zabriskie as Alena
My Own Private Idaho FAQ
Is My Own Private Idaho good?
My Own Private Idaho has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,213 audience ratings.
Where can I watch My Own Private Idaho?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is My Own Private Idaho OK for kids?
My Own Private Idaho is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that My Own Private Idaho is an R-rated drama following two young hustlers dealing with narcolepsy, sex work, and drug use on a road trip.
What movies are like My Own Private Idaho?
If you liked My Own Private Idaho, try Beautiful Boy, This Boy's Life, There Will Be Blood and Moonlight.