Shine (1996)
Kernel Score: 84% · 693 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 1996-08-15
Runtime: 105 minutes
Where to watch Shine
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Pianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.
Shine parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Shine is a PG-13 biographical drama about a pianist's mental breakdown and recovery.
- Violence & scariness: A little — No physical violence; depicts emotional distress and a psychological breakdown.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Shine
If you liked Shine, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- TÁR (2022) — 81%
- Dead Poets Society (1989) — 91%
- What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) — 78%
- Pay It Forward (2000) — 83%
- Doubt (2008) — 82%
- Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) — 79%
- The Hurricane (1999) — 85%
- The Legend of 1900 (1998) — 92%
Director
Scott Hicks
Cast
- Geoffrey Rush as David as an adult
- Noah Taylor as David as an adolescent
- Armin Mueller-Stahl as Peter
- Lynn Redgrave as Gillian
- Googie Withers as Katharine Susannah Prichard
- Sonia Todd as Sylvia
- Nicholas Bell as Ben Rosen
- John Gielgud as Cecil Parkes
- Justin Braine as Tony
- Chris Haywood as Sam
Shine FAQ
Is Shine good?
Shine has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 693 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Shine?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Shine OK for kids?
Shine is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Shine is a PG-13 biographical drama about a pianist's mental breakdown and recovery.
What movies are like Shine?
If you liked Shine, try TÁR, Dead Poets Society, What's Love Got to Do with It and Pay It Forward.