The Cider House Rules (1999)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,263 TMDB ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 1999-12-17
Runtime: 126 minutes
Where to watch The Cider House Rules
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, JustWatch TV Store, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-11.
Overview
Homer is an orphan who was never adopted, becoming the favorite of orphanage director Dr. Larch. Dr. Larch imparts his full medical knowledge on Homer, who becomes a skilled, albeit unlicensed, physician. But Homer yearns for a self-chosen life outside the orphanage. What will Homer learn about life and love in the cider house? What of the destiny that Dr. Larch has planned for him?
The Cider House Rules parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that The Cider House Rules is a mature drama dealing with abortion, incest, drug addiction and orphanhood.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Some war injury and depiction of a drug overdose.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Includes incest and pregnancy themes handled seriously within a period drama.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Drug addiction, overdose, and anesthetic use are significant plot elements; cigarette smoking shown.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Cider House Rules
If you liked The Cider House Rules, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Awakenings (1990) — 88%
- A Street Cat Named Bob (2016) — 87%
- The Lost Weekend (1945) — 85%
- If I Stay (2014) — 83%
- To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) — 88%
- Happening (2021) — 80%
- The Glass Castle (2017) — 80%
- Lion (2016) — 91%
Director
Cast
- Tobey Maguire as Homer Wells
- Charlize Theron as Candy Kendall
- Michael Caine as Dr. Wilbur Larch
- Delroy Lindo as Arthur Rose
- Paul Rudd as Lt. Wally Worthington
- Jane Alexander as Nurse Edna
- Kathy Baker as Nurse Angela
- Erykah Badu as Rose Rose
- Kieran Culkin as Buster
- Kate Nelligan as Olive Worthington
The Cider House Rules FAQ
Is The Cider House Rules good?
The Cider House Rules has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch The Cider House Rules?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, JustWatch TV Store and Google Play.
Is The Cider House Rules OK for kids?
The Cider House Rules is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that The Cider House Rules is a mature drama dealing with abortion, incest, drug addiction and orphanhood.
What movies are like The Cider House Rules?
If you liked The Cider House Rules, try Awakenings, A Street Cat Named Bob, The Lost Weekend and If I Stay.