Pleasantville (1998)
Kernel Score: 82% · 1,835 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Released: 1998-09-17
Runtime: 124 minutes
Where to watch Pleasantville
- Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Geeky teenager David and his popular twin sister, Jennifer, get sucked into the black-and-white world of a 1950s TV sitcom called "Pleasantville," and find a world where everything is peachy keen all the time. But when Jennifer's modern attitude disrupts Pleasantville's peaceful but boring routine, she literally brings color into its life.
Pleasantville parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Pleasantville is a satirical fantasy-comedy dealing with themes of racism, censorship, and sexual awakening in a 1950s sitcom world.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Includes a masturbation reference and themes of sexual awakening as color enters the black-and-white town.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Pleasantville
If you liked Pleasantville, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Harvey (1950) — 86%
- The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012) — 78%
- Addams Family Values (1993) — 77%
- Amarcord (1973) — 88%
- The Truman Show (1998) — 94%
- Mary Poppins (1964) — 85%
- Slumberland (2022) — 81%
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Tobey Maguire as David
- Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer
- William H. Macy as George Parker
- Joan Allen as Betty Parker
- Jeff Daniels as Mr. Johnson
- J. T. Walsh as Big Bob
- Paul Walker as Skip
- Don Knotts as TV Repairman
- Marley Shelton as Margaret Henderson
- Jane Kaczmarek as David's Mom
Pleasantville FAQ
Is Pleasantville good?
Pleasantville has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,835 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Pleasantville?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Pleasantville OK for kids?
Pleasantville is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Pleasantville is a satirical fantasy-comedy dealing with themes of racism, censorship, and sexual awakening in a 1950s sitcom world.
What movies are like Pleasantville?
If you liked Pleasantville, try Harvey, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Addams Family Values and Amarcord.