The Fabelmans (2022)

Kernel Score: 85% · 2,687 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama

Released: 2022-11-11

Runtime: 151 minutes

Is The Fabelmans worth watching?

Must-watch. Spielberg looks back on his own youth, tracing how a boy fell for filmmaking while his parents' marriage came apart. It is warm, funny and moving, and the cast is excellent. A little long, but rewarding.

Watch it if you

  • love movies about making movies
  • enjoy personal, family-centered dramas
  • are a Spielberg fan

Skip it if you

  • want fast plotting or action
  • dislike two-and-a-half-hour dramas

Best for: Cozy night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Fabelmans

  • Stream: Peacock
  • Free with ads: Fandango at Home
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

The Fabelmans parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that this Spielberg drama deals with a family secret, marital problems, and bullying but is ultimately compassionate.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Fabelmans

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

  • Boyhood (2014) — 84%: Another quiet, observant look at growing up and family.
  • Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) — 86%: Teenager's love of filmmaking at the centre of a touching story.
  • The Hand of God (2021) — 83%: Another director's personal, semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story.
  • Short Term 12 (2013) — 86%: Compassionate drama grounded in believable, caring characters.
  • Like Father, Like Son (2013) — 85%: Gentle family drama about fathers, sons and what we inherit.
  • Close (2022) — 88%: Sensitive, emotional story of young friendship and growing up.

Director

Steven Spielberg

Cast

  • Michelle Williams as Mitzi Fabelman
  • Paul Dano as Burt Fabelman
  • Seth Rogen as Benny Loewy
  • Gabriel LaBelle as Sammy Fabelman
  • Mateo Zoryan Francis-DeFord as Younger Sammy Fabelman
  • Keeley Karsten as Natalie Fabelman
  • Alina Brace as Young Natalie Fabelman
  • Julia Butters as Reggie Fabelman
  • Birdie Borria as Younger Reggie Fabelman
  • Judd Hirsch as Uncle Boris

The Fabelmans FAQ

Is The Fabelmans worth watching?

Must-watch. Spielberg looks back on his own youth, tracing how a boy fell for filmmaking while his parents' marriage came apart. It is warm, funny and moving, and the cast is excellent. A little long, but rewarding.

Where can I watch The Fabelmans?

In the US you can stream The Fabelmans on Peacock, watch it free with ads on Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Fabelmans OK for kids?

The Fabelmans is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this Spielberg drama deals with a family secret, marital problems, and bullying but is ultimately compassionate.

What movies are like The Fabelmans?

If you liked The Fabelmans, try Boyhood, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, The Hand of God and Short Term 12.