Precious (2009)
Kernel Score: 82% · 1,741 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2009-11-06
Runtime: 110 minutes
Where to watch Precious
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Philo, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father, and at home she must wait hand and foot on her mother, an angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is chaotic and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and a secret – she can't read.
Precious parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Precious depicts a teenage girl enduring severe abuse, incest, rape, and poverty.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts severe physical and emotional abuse from the protagonist's mother, described as angry and aggressive.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — References incestuous rape by the protagonist's father resulting in pregnancy; handled seriously, not graphically shown.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Precious
If you liked Precious, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Color Purple (1985) — 86%
- Speak (2004) — 77%
- Mysterious Skin (2005) — 85%
- An Elephant Sitting Still (2018) — 85%
- 20th Century Women (2016) — 84%
- The Teachers' Lounge (2023) — 82%
- Brother (1997) — 84%
- The Hate U Give (2018) — 89%
Director
Cast
- Gabourey Sidibe as Precious
- Mo'Nique as Mary
- Paula Patton as Ms. Rain
- Mariah Carey as Ms. Weiss
- Sherri Shepherd as Cornrows
- Lenny Kravitz as Nurse John
- Stephanie Andujar as Rita
- Chyna Layne as Rhonda
- Amina Robinson as Jermaine
- Xosha Roquemore as Joann
Precious FAQ
Is Precious good?
Precious has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,741 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Precious?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Philo and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Precious OK for kids?
Precious is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Precious depicts a teenage girl enduring severe abuse, incest, rape, and poverty.
What movies are like Precious?
If you liked Precious, try The Color Purple, Speak, Mysterious Skin and An Elephant Sitting Still.