Rushmore (1998)
Kernel Score: 84% · 2,679 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 1998-12-11
Runtime: 93 minutes
Is Rushmore worth watching?
Must-watch. An eccentric teenager at a prep school falls for a teacher and drags a rich industrialist into his schemes. It's dry, quick and oddly touching, and the film that defined Wes Anderson's style. Not for everyone, but a gem.
Watch it if you
- like quirky, deadpan comedy
- enjoy Wes Anderson's style
- love underdog misfit stories
Skip it if you
- want broad, loud comedy
- dislike stylised, mannered dialogue
Best for: Quirky comedy night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Rushmore
- Free with ads: Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
When a beautiful first-grade teacher arrives at a prep school, she soon attracts the attention of an ambitious teenager named Max, who quickly falls in love with her. Max turns to the father of two of his schoolmates for advice on how to woo the teacher. However, the situation soon gets complicated when Max's new friend becomes involved with her, setting the two pals against one another in a war for her attention.
Rushmore parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that Rushmore is an R-rated coming-of-age comedy-drama about a precocious teen's infatuation with a teacher.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Rushmore
If you liked Rushmore, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) — 84%: Wes Anderson's oddball family story in a similar mood.
- Moonrise Kingdom (2012) — 86%: Wes Anderson's sweet tale of young misfits in love.
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) — 89%: Anderson's most polished and funny caper.
- The Breakfast Club (1985) — 87%: Teens in a school setting, funny and heartfelt.
- The Squid and the Whale (2005) — 77%: Dry family comedy-drama with awkward, smart characters.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) — 87%: Wes Anderson's playful, stylish animated adventure.
Director
Cast
- Jason Schwartzman as Max Fischer
- Bill Murray as Herman Blume
- Olivia Williams as Rosemary Cross
- Seymour Cassel as Bert Fischer
- Brian Cox as Dr. Nelson Guggenheim
- Mason Gamble as Dirk Calloway
- Sara Tanaka as Margaret Yang
- Stephen McCole as Magnus Buchan
- Luke Wilson as Dr. Peter Flynn
- Dipak Pallana as Mr. Adams
Rushmore FAQ
Is Rushmore worth watching?
Must-watch. An eccentric teenager at a prep school falls for a teacher and drags a rich industrialist into his schemes. It's dry, quick and oddly touching, and the film that defined Wes Anderson's style. Not for everyone, but a gem.
Where can I watch Rushmore?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Rushmore OK for kids?
Rushmore is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Rushmore is an R-rated coming-of-age comedy-drama about a precocious teen's infatuation with a teacher.
What movies are like Rushmore?
If you liked Rushmore, try The Royal Tenenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Breakfast Club.