Pay It Forward (2000)
Kernel Score: 83% · 1,960 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2000-10-20
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to watch Pay It Forward
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Like some other kids, 12-year-old Trevor McKinney believed in the goodness of human nature. Like many other kids, he was determined to change the world for the better. Unlike most other kids, he succeeded.
Pay It Forward parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Pay It Forward is a PG-13 drama about a boy's mission to change the world through good deeds, touching on burn injury and disfigurement.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The film includes a burn injury and disfigurement as plot elements handled with emotional weight rather than graphic detail.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Pay It Forward
If you liked Pay It Forward, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dead Poets Society (1989) — 91%
- The Miracle Worker (1962) — 87%
- Through the Fire (2018) — 82%
- Dangerous Minds (1995) — 78%
Director
Mimi Leder
Cast
- Kevin Spacey as Eugene Simonet
- Helen Hunt as Arlene McKinney
- Angie Dickinson as Grace
- Haley Joel Osment as Trevor McKinney
- Jay Mohr as Chris Chandler
- Jim Caviezel as Jerry
- Jon Bon Jovi as Ricky McKinney
- David Ramsey as Sidney Parker
- Gary Werntz as Mr. Thorsen
- Colleen Flynn as Woman on Bridge
Pay It Forward FAQ
Is Pay It Forward good?
Pay It Forward has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,960 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Pay It Forward?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Pay It Forward OK for kids?
Pay It Forward is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Pay It Forward is a PG-13 drama about a boy's mission to change the world through good deeds, touching on burn injury and disfigurement.
What movies are like Pay It Forward?
If you liked Pay It Forward, try Dead Poets Society, The Miracle Worker, Through the Fire and Dangerous Minds.