The Graduate (1967)
Kernel Score: 86% · 3,618 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy
Released: 1967-12-21
Runtime: 106 minutes
Is The Graduate worth watching?
Must-watch. A fresh graduate drifts into an affair with an older woman, then falls for her daughter. It is funny, awkward and sharply observed, and still feels sly and modern. A true classic of 1960s American film.
Watch it if you
- like sharp, awkward comedies about growing up
- enjoy classic 1960s American cinema
- want a film that is both funny and uneasy
Skip it if you
- need fast pacing
- dislike morally messy characters
Best for: Classic movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Graduate
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, The CW, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A disillusioned college graduate finds himself torn between his older lover and her daughter.
The Graduate parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that this classic drama centers on an affair between a young man and an older woman, and a rape accusation.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Central plot involves a seduction and affair between a young graduate and an older married woman, plus a rape accusation subplot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Graduate
If you liked The Graduate, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Apartment (1960) — 91%: Another classic comedy-drama about awkward romance and modern disillusion.
- Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) — 87%: Same era, same sharp look at marriage and desire.
- Center of My World (2016) — 80%: Coming-of-age romance about confusing first love.
- A Summer's Tale (1996) — 83%: Quiet summer romance about an unsure young man and several women.
- Deep End (1971) — 76%: Offbeat story of a young man's confused crush.
- Roman Holiday (1953) — 87%: Classic romance with wit and a bittersweet ending.
Director
Cast
- Dustin Hoffman as Ben Braddock
- Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson
- Katharine Ross as Elaine Robinson
- Murray Hamilton as Mr. Robinson
- William Daniels as Mr. Braddock
- Elizabeth Wilson as Mrs. Braddock
- Buck Henry as Room Clerk
- Brian Avery as Carl Smith
- Walter Brooke as Mr. McGuire
- Norman Fell as Mr. McCleery
The Graduate FAQ
Is The Graduate worth watching?
Must-watch. A fresh graduate drifts into an affair with an older woman, then falls for her daughter. It is funny, awkward and sharply observed, and still feels sly and modern. A true classic of 1960s American film.
Where can I watch The Graduate?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, The CW and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Graduate OK for kids?
The Graduate is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that this classic drama centers on an affair between a young man and an older woman, and a rape accusation.
What movies are like The Graduate?
If you liked The Graduate, try The Apartment, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Center of My World and A Summer's Tale.