Philomena (2013)
Kernel Score: 82% · 1,699 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2013-11-01
Runtime: 98 minutes
Where to watch Philomena
- Stream: Britbox Apple TV channel
- Free with ads: The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, Fandango at Home
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A woman searches for her adult son, who was taken away from her decades ago when she was forced to live in a convent.
Philomena parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Philomena follows a mother's search for the son taken from her decades earlier, dealing with faith, forgiveness, and an unwed pregnancy.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — References a teenage unwed pregnancy from decades earlier, discussed but not shown.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Philomena
If you liked Philomena, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Secrets & Lies (1996) — 86%
- Lion (2016) — 91%
- Short Term 12 (2013) — 86%
- Lorenzo's Oil (1992) — 79%
- Spotlight (2015) — 87%
- The Case for Christ (2017) — 74%
- White Oleander (2002) — 78%
- The Kid (1921) — 92%
Director
Stephen Frears
Cast
- Judi Dench as Philomena
- Steve Coogan as Martin Sixsmith
- Sophie Kennedy Clark as Young Philomena
- Mare Winningham as Mary Hess
- Barbara Jefford as Sister Hildegarde
- Ruth McCabe as Mother Barbara
- Peter Hermann as Pete Olsson
- Sean Mahon as Michael Hess
- Anna Maxwell Martin as Jane
- Michelle Fairley as Sally Mitchell
Philomena FAQ
Is Philomena good?
Philomena has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,699 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Philomena?
In the US you can stream Philomena on Britbox Apple TV channel, watch it free with ads on The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome and Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Philomena OK for kids?
Philomena is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Philomena follows a mother's search for the son taken from her decades earlier, dealing with faith, forgiveness, and an unwed pregnancy.
What movies are like Philomena?
If you liked Philomena, try Secrets & Lies, Lion, Short Term 12 and Lorenzo's Oil.