October Sky (1999)
Kernel Score: 87% · 1,395 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama
Released: 1999-02-19
Runtime: 107 minutes
Where to watch October Sky
- Free with ads: BYUtv, 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 true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes.
October Sky parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that October Sky is a PG-rated true story about a coal miner's son pursuing rocketry against his father's wishes.
- Violence & scariness: A little — A mining accident is referenced, consistent with its PG rating for mild peril.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like October Sky
If you liked October Sky, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- How Green Was My Valley (1941) — 82%
- The Iron Giant (1999) — 89%
- Hoosiers (1986) — 79%
- The Devil All the Time (2020) — 79%
- First Man (2018) — 78%
- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022) — 91%
- Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood (2022) — 79%
- Over the Moon (2020) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer Hickam
- Chris Cooper as John Hickam
- Chris Owen as Quentin Wilson
- Laura Dern as Miss Riley
- William Lee Scott as Roy Lee
- Chad Lindberg as O'Dell
- Natalie Canerday as Elsie Hickam
- Ilya Baskin as Ike Bykovsky
- Chris Ellis as Principal Turner
- Scott Thomas as Jim Hickam
October Sky FAQ
Is October Sky good?
October Sky has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,395 audience ratings.
Where can I watch October Sky?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on BYUtv and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is October Sky OK for kids?
October Sky is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that October Sky is a PG-rated true story about a coal miner's son pursuing rocketry against his father's wishes.
What movies are like October Sky?
If you liked October Sky, try How Green Was My Valley, The Iron Giant, Hoosiers and The Devil All the Time.