Ordinary People (1980)
Kernel Score: 83% · 682 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1980-09-19
Runtime: 124 minutes
Where to watch Ordinary People
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Conrad is overcome by grief and misplaced guilt to the extent of a suicide attempt. He is in therapy. Beth had always preferred his brother and is having difficulty being supportive to Conrad. Calvin is trapped between the two trying to hold the family together.
Ordinary People parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Ordinary People is an R-rated family drama dealing with grief, a suicide attempt, and a family struggling after a son's death.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a suicide attempt and themes of grief and survivor's guilt.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ordinary People
If you liked Ordinary People, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Sixth Sense (1999) — 89%
- Requiem for a Dream (2000) — 89%
- Magnolia (1999) — 88%
- Thief (1981) — 82%
- Dolores Claiborne (1995) — 82%
- The Broken Circle Breakdown (2012) — 88%
- Udaan (2010) — 81%
- I'm Not Ashamed (2016) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Donald Sutherland as Calvin Jarrett
- Mary Tyler Moore as Beth Jarrett
- Judd Hirsch as Dr. Berger
- Timothy Hutton as Conrad Jarrett
- M. Emmet Walsh as Swim Coach
- Elizabeth McGovern as Jeannine Pratt
- Dinah Manoff as Karen
- Fredric Lehne as Lazenby
- James B. Sikking as Ray Hanley
- Basil Hoffman as Sloan
Ordinary People FAQ
Is Ordinary People good?
Ordinary People has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 682 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Ordinary People?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Ordinary People OK for kids?
Ordinary People is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Ordinary People is an R-rated family drama dealing with grief, a suicide attempt, and a family struggling after a son's death.
What movies are like Ordinary People?
If you liked Ordinary People, try The Sixth Sense, Requiem for a Dream, Magnolia and Thief.