Radio (2003)
Kernel Score: 83% · 810 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama
Released: 2003-10-24
Runtime: 109 minutes
Where to watch Radio
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the racially divided town of Anderson, South Carolina in 1976, football coach Harold Jones spots a mentally disabled African-American young man nicknamed Radio near his practice field and is inspired to befriend him. Soon, Radio is Jones' loyal assistant, and he becomes a student at T.L. Hanna High School. But things start to sour when Coach Jones begins taking guff from parents and fans who feel that his devotion to Radio is getting in the way of the team's quest for a championship.
Radio parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Radio is a wholesome PG drama about kindness and friendship, based on a true story, with some racial-tension themes.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Depicts racial prejudice and social conflict but no graphic violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Radio
If you liked Radio, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Cry Freedom (1987) — 78%
- Facing the Giants (2006) — 85%
- Concussion (2015) — 78%
- The Fallout (2021) — 86%
- My Name Is Joe (1998) — 79%
- Creed III (2023) — 79%
- Queen of Katwe (2016) — 79%
- The Express (2008) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Cuba Gooding Jr. as Radio
- Ed Harris as Coach Jones
- Alfre Woodard as Principal Daniels
- S. Epatha Merkerson as Maggie
- Debra Winger as Linda Jones
- Chris Mulkey as Frank
- Sarah Drew as Mary Helen Jones
- Brent Sexton as Honeycutt
- Riley Smith as Johnny
- Patrick Breen as Tucker
Radio FAQ
Is Radio good?
Radio has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 810 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Radio?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Radio OK for kids?
Radio is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Radio is a wholesome PG drama about kindness and friendship, based on a true story, with some racial-tension themes.
What movies are like Radio?
If you liked Radio, try Cry Freedom, Facing the Giants, Concussion and The Fallout.