Rocketman (2019)
Kernel Score: 81% · 4,925 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Music, Drama
Released: 2019-05-17
Runtime: 121 minutes
Is Rocketman worth watching?
Worth watching. Taron Egerton plays Elton John in a musical-fantasy take on his rise and his troubles. It's colourful and well sung, though it follows the usual musician-biopic arc.
Watch it if you
- like Elton John's music
- enjoy musical biopics
- want a lively, emotional watch
Skip it if you
- dislike musical numbers in a drama
- want a strictly factual biography
Best for: Music-lover's night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Rocketman
- Stream: Paramount+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The story of Elton John's life, from his years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his influential and enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
Rocketman parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Rocketman is a musical biopic of Elton John featuring drug abuse, alcoholism, and frank depictions of his sexuality.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Includes scenes depicting same-sex relationships and sexual content consistent with its R rating.
- Language: Moderate — Strong language used throughout in keeping with its R rating.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Depicts drug abuse and alcoholism as major struggles in the singer's career and personal life.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Rocketman
If you liked Rocketman, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) — 89%: Crowd-pleasing biopic of a flamboyant music legend.
- Better Man (2024) — 84%: Inventive music biopic told in an unusual way.
- A Star Is Born (2018) — 84%: Music-driven drama about love and fame.
- Straight Outta Compton (2015) — 89%: Music-world rise story with strong energy.
- La Vie en Rose (2007) — 83%: Passionate, dramatic biopic of a legendary singer.
- Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Joyful music film about growing up through songs.
Director
Cast
- Taron Egerton as Elton John
- Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin
- Richard Madden as John Reid
- Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila
- Gemma Jones as Ivy
- Steven Mackintosh as Stanley
- Tom Bennett as Fred
- Matthew Illesley as Young Reggie
- Kit Connor as Older Reggie
- Charlie Rowe as Ray Williams
Rocketman FAQ
Is Rocketman worth watching?
Worth watching. Taron Egerton plays Elton John in a musical-fantasy take on his rise and his troubles. It's colourful and well sung, though it follows the usual musician-biopic arc.
Where can I watch Rocketman?
In the US you can stream Rocketman on Paramount+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Rocketman OK for kids?
Rocketman is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Rocketman is a musical biopic of Elton John featuring drug abuse, alcoholism, and frank depictions of his sexuality.
What movies are like Rocketman?
If you liked Rocketman, try Bohemian Rhapsody, Better Man, A Star Is Born and Straight Outta Compton.