Smoke (1995)
Kernel Score: 81% · 518 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 1995-06-09
Runtime: 112 minutes
Where to watch Smoke
- Free with ads: Hoopla
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Writer Paul Benjamin is nearly hit by a bus when he leaves Auggie Wren's smoke shop. Stranger Rashid Cole saves his life, and soon middle-aged Paul tells homeless Rashid that he wouldn't mind a short-term housemate. Still grieving over his wife's murder, Paul is moved by both Rashid's quest to reconnect with his father and Auggie's discovery that a woman who might be his daughter is about to give birth.
Smoke parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Smoke is an R-rated drama centered on a smoke shop, featuring smoking, grief, and mature themes.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Includes references to a robbery and a wife's murder in the backstory.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Smoking and cigarettes are a recurring visual and thematic element tied to the smoke shop setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Smoke
If you liked Smoke, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Deconstructing Harry (1997) — 82%
- Following (1999) — 79%
- The King of Staten Island (2020) — 77%
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) — 84%
- After Hours (1985) — 84%
- The Station Agent (2003) — 85%
- Thank You for Smoking (2005) — 82%
- 25th Hour (2002) — 83%
Director
Wayne Wang
Cast
- Harvey Keitel as Augustus 'Auggie' Wren
- William Hurt as Paul Benjamin
- Stockard Channing as Ruby McNutt
- Harold Perrineau as Thomas 'Rashid' Cole
- Forest Whitaker as Cyrus Cole
- Giancarlo Esposito as 1st OTB Man / Tommy
- José Zúñiga as 2nd OTB Man / Jerry
- Stephen Gevedon as OTB Man #3 / Dennis
- Jared Harris as Jimmy Rose
- Ashley Judd as Felicity
Smoke FAQ
Is Smoke good?
Smoke has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 518 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Smoke?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Smoke OK for kids?
Smoke is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Smoke is an R-rated drama centered on a smoke shop, featuring smoking, grief, and mature themes.
What movies are like Smoke?
If you liked Smoke, try Deconstructing Harry, Following, The King of Staten Island and The Royal Tenenbaums.