The Glass Castle (2017)
Kernel Score: 80% · 888 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2017-08-11
Runtime: 127 minutes
Where to watch The Glass Castle
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, 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 young girl is raised in a dysfunctional family constantly on the run from the FBI. Living in poverty, she comes of age guided by her drunkard, ingenious father who distracts her with magical stories to keep her mind off the family's dire state, and her selfish, nonconformist mother who has no intention of raising a family, along with her younger brother and sister, and her other older sister. Together, they fend for each other as they mature in an unorthodox journey that is their family life.
The Glass Castle parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Glass Castle is a PG-13 drama depicting childhood poverty, an alcoholic father, and family dysfunction, based on a memoir.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Depicts an aggressive, unstable father and scenes of family distress rather than physical violence.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — The father is portrayed as a drunkard, with alcoholism a central element of the story.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Glass Castle
If you liked The Glass Castle, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Boyhood (2014) — 84%
- Sentimental Value (2025) — 87%
- Boy A (2008) — 81%
- Manchester by the Sea (2016) — 84%
- What Maisie Knew (2013) — 79%
- The Color Purple (2023) — 79%
- The Banker (2020) — 86%
- Hamlet (1996) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Brie Larson as Jeannette Walls
- Woody Harrelson as Rex Walls
- Naomi Watts as Rose Mary Walls
- Max Greenfield as David
- Sarah Snook as Lori Walls
- Ella Anderson as Jeannette Walls (Age 10)
- Sadie Sink as Lori Walls (Age 12)
- Robin Bartlett as Erma Walls
- Chandler Head as Jeannette Walls (Age 5 and 6)
- Iain Armitage as Brian Walls (Age 5)
The Glass Castle FAQ
Is The Glass Castle good?
The Glass Castle has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 888 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Glass Castle?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Glass Castle OK for kids?
The Glass Castle is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Glass Castle is a PG-13 drama depicting childhood poverty, an alcoholic father, and family dysfunction, based on a memoir.
What movies are like The Glass Castle?
If you liked The Glass Castle, try Boyhood, Sentimental Value, Boy A and Manchester by the Sea.