The First Time (2012)
Kernel Score: 76% · 2,143 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: 2012-10-19
Runtime: 95 minutes
Is The First Time worth watching?
Worth watching. A sweet, awkward teen romance about two high schoolers who meet by chance and navigate their first time. It's small and familiar, but the leads are likable and it's honest about how nervous first love feels.
Watch it if you
- like sweet teen romances
- want a short, low-stakes watch
- enjoy awkward first-love stories
Skip it if you
- want something original
- dislike teen sex talk
Best for: Easy date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The First Time
- Stream: MGM+
- Free with ads: YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A spark of attraction smolders, then ignites, between two teens from different high schools who meet by chance at a party.
The First Time parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this teen romance deals with two high schoolers navigating first love and losing their virginity.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Central plot involves two teens exploring first love and their first sexual experience.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The First Time
If you liked The First Time, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) — 87%: Heartfelt teen drama about first love and growing up.
- Lady Bird (2017) — 82%: Honest coming-of-age story about teen life.
- Say Anything... (1989) — 78%: Classic teen romance with an earnest lead.
- To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018) — 86%: Light, charming teen romance.
- Love, Simon (2018) — 89%: Warm teen romance about first love.
- You Are the Apple of My Eye (2011) — 82%: Sweet first-love story with nostalgia.
Director
Jon Kasdan
Cast
- Dylan O'Brien as Dave Hodgman
- Britt Robertson as Aubrey Miller
- Craig Roberts as Simon Daldry
- James Frecheville as Ronny
- Victoria Justice as Jane Harmon
- Maggie Elizabeth Jones as Stella
- Halston Sage as Brianna
- Lamarcus Tinker as Big Corporation
- Joshua Malina as Aubrey's Dad
- Christine Taylor as Aubrey's Mom
The First Time FAQ
Is The First Time worth watching?
Worth watching. A sweet, awkward teen romance about two high schoolers who meet by chance and navigate their first time. It's small and familiar, but the leads are likable and it's honest about how nervous first love feels.
Where can I watch The First Time?
In the US you can stream The First Time on MGM+, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The First Time OK for kids?
The First Time is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this teen romance deals with two high schoolers navigating first love and losing their virginity.
What movies are like The First Time?
If you liked The First Time, try The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Lady Bird, Say Anything... and To All the Boys I've Loved Before.