The Bear (1988)

Kernel Score: 79% · 518 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Family

Released: 1988-10-21

Runtime: 97 minutes

Where to watch The Bear

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

An orphan bear cub hooks up with an adult male as they try to dodge human hunters.

The Bear parents' guide: all ages

Parents need to know that The Bear is a PG-rated family adventure about an orphaned bear cub evading hunters in the wilderness, with mild peril but no graphic content.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Includes wilderness peril and hunting themes as the bear cub is pursued by humans, per its PG rating.

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

Movies like The Bear

If you liked The Bear, these are the movies we'd watch next.

Director

Jean-Jacques Annaud

Cast

  • Youk the Bear as The Bear Cub
  • Bart the Bear as The Kodiak Bear
  • Tchéky Karyo as Tom
  • Jack Wallace as Bill
  • André Lacombe as The Dog Hunter

The Bear FAQ

Is The Bear good?

The Bear has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 518 audience ratings.

Where can I watch The Bear?

In the US you can stream The Bear on Prime Video and Night Flight Plus, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, Pluto TV and Shout! Factory TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Bear OK for kids?

The Bear is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Bear is a PG-rated family adventure about an orphaned bear cub evading hunters in the wilderness, with mild peril but no graphic content.

What movies are like The Bear?

If you liked The Bear, try A Dog's Purpose, The Call of the Wild, Vicky and Her Mystery and The Revenant.