Ruby Sparks (2012)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,746 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Drama
Released: 2012-07-25
Runtime: 104 minutes
Where to watch Ruby Sparks
- Stream: Prime Video, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Calvin is a young novelist who achieved phenomenal success early in his career but is now struggling with his writing – as well as his romantic life. Finally, he makes a breakthrough and creates a character named Ruby who inspires him. When Calvin finds Ruby, in the flesh, sitting on his couch about a week later, he is completely flabbergasted that his words have turned into a living, breathing person.
Ruby Sparks parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Ruby Sparks is an R-rated romantic comedy-drama dealing with an author's controlling relationship with a woman he can literally control with his writing.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Contains a central romantic relationship with sexual content typical of an R-rated romance.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ruby Sparks
If you liked Ruby Sparks, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- 5 to 7 (2014) — 79%
- Happy as Lazzaro (2018) — 84%
- Cinema Paradiso (1988) — 91%
- Son of the Bride (2001) — 85%
- The World to Come (2021) — 79%
- Blades of the Guardians (2026) — 96%
- The Science of Sleep (2006) — 75%
- IF (2024) — 77%
Director
Jonathan Dayton
Cast
- Paul Dano as Calvin
- Zoe Kazan as Ruby
- Chris Messina as Harry
- Annette Bening as Gertrude
- Antonio Banderas as Mort
- Alia Shawkat as Mabel
- Deborah Ann Woll as Lila
- Steve Coogan as Langdon Tharp
- Elliott Gould as Dr. Rosenthal
- Aasif Mandvi as Cyrus Modi
Ruby Sparks FAQ
Is Ruby Sparks good?
Ruby Sparks has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,746 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Ruby Sparks?
In the US you can stream Ruby Sparks on Prime Video and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Ruby Sparks OK for kids?
Ruby Sparks is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Ruby Sparks is an R-rated romantic comedy-drama dealing with an author's controlling relationship with a woman he can literally control with his writing.
What movies are like Ruby Sparks?
If you liked Ruby Sparks, try 5 to 7, Happy as Lazzaro, Cinema Paradiso and Son of the Bride.