Safe Haven (2013)

Kernel Score: 81% · 2,398 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Romance, Thriller

Released: 2013-02-07

Runtime: 115 minutes

Is Safe Haven worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A Nicholas Sparks romance with a thriller twist that suits the genre. It does what it promises, but the plot leans on coincidence and soft focus.

Watch it if you

  • enjoy Nicholas Sparks-style romances
  • like romance with a mystery on top
  • want a relaxed, sentimental evening

Skip it if you

  • dislike predictable romance beats
  • want a grounded thriller

Best for: Date night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Safe Haven

  • Stream: Netflix
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, 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

A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.

Safe Haven parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that this PG-13 romantic thriller involves a woman fleeing an abusive husband and a dark secret.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Involves an abusive husband and domestic violence themes, rated PG-13.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Safe Haven

If you liked Safe Haven, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Rebecca (1940) — 89%: Classic romantic thriller with a haunting secret at its centre.
  • Notorious (1946) — 88%: Romance and suspense tangled together with a dangerous secret.
  • Vertigo (1958) — 88%: Obsessive romance wrapped in a slow, atmospheric mystery.
  • Ghost (1990) — 82%: Romantic drama with a supernatural twist and emotional payoff.
  • What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) — 86%: Small-town drama with warm, emotional relationships.
  • Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) — 88%: Tearjerker for those who like gentle, emotional stories.

Director

Lasse Hallström

Cast

  • Julianne Hough as Katie Feldman
  • Josh Duhamel as Alex Wheatley
  • Cobie Smulders as Jo
  • David Lyons as Kevin Tierney
  • Mimi Kirkland as Lexie
  • Noah Lomax as Josh
  • Irene Ziegler as Mrs. Feldman
  • Robin Mullins as Maddie
  • Red West as Roger
  • Juan Piedrahita as Jr. Detective Ramirez

Safe Haven FAQ

Is Safe Haven worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A Nicholas Sparks romance with a thriller twist that suits the genre. It does what it promises, but the plot leans on coincidence and soft focus.

Where can I watch Safe Haven?

In the US you can stream Safe Haven on Netflix, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Safe Haven OK for kids?

Safe Haven is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this PG-13 romantic thriller involves a woman fleeing an abusive husband and a dark secret.

What movies are like Safe Haven?

If you liked Safe Haven, try Rebecca, Notorious, Vertigo and Ghost.