The Book of Henry (2017)
Kernel Score: 83% · 1,340 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2017-06-16
Runtime: 105 minutes
Where to watch The Book of Henry
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Susan, a single mother of two, works as a waitress in a small town. Her son, Henry, is an 11-year-old genius who not only manages the family finances but acts as emotional support for his mother and younger brother. When Henry discovers that the girl next door has a terrible secret, he implores Susan to take matters into her own hands.
The Book of Henry parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this drama involves child abuse, cancer, suicide themes, and a boy taking drastic action to protect a neighbor.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The plot involves child abuse and a plan involving serious harm, handled dramatically rather than graphically.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Book of Henry
If you liked The Book of Henry, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Remember (2015) — 82%
- John Q (2002) — 79%
- Unbreakable (2000) — 81%
- An Inspector Calls (2015) — 83%
- All My Life (2020) — 89%
- The Conversation (1974) — 87%
- Bitter Rice (1949) — 85%
- Mercy (2026) — 79%
Director
Colin Trevorrow
Cast
- Naomi Watts as Susan Carpenter
- Jaeden Martell as Henry Carpenter
- Jacob Tremblay as Peter Carpenter
- Sarah Silverman as Sheila
- Lee Pace as Dr. David Daniels
- Maddie Ziegler as Christina
- Dean Norris as Glenn Sickleman
- Bobby Moynihan as John
- Tonya Pinkins as Principal Wilder
- Geraldine Hughes as Mrs. Evans
The Book of Henry FAQ
Is The Book of Henry good?
The Book of Henry has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,340 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Book of Henry?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Book of Henry OK for kids?
The Book of Henry is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this drama involves child abuse, cancer, suicide themes, and a boy taking drastic action to protect a neighbor.
What movies are like The Book of Henry?
If you liked The Book of Henry, try Remember, John Q, Unbreakable and An Inspector Calls.