The Hate U Give (2018)
Kernel Score: 89% · 2,204 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 2018-10-19
Runtime: 133 minutes
Is The Hate U Give worth watching?
Must-watch. A strong drama about a teen who witnesses a police shooting and has to decide whether to speak out. It's emotional and angry without being preachy, and the lead performance carries it.
Watch it if you
- like issue-driven dramas with real emotional weight
- want a story about a teen finding her voice
- enjoy films that spark conversation
Skip it if you
- want escapism
- are uncomfortable with police violence and racial tension
Best for: Conversation-starting night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Hate U Give
- Stream: Starz
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Raised in a poverty-stricken slum, a 16-year-old girl named Starr now attends a suburban prep school. After she witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend, she's torn between her two very different worlds as she tries to speak her truth.
The Hate U Give parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Hate U Give is a PG-13 drama about a teen girl who witnesses a police shooting and grapples with the aftermath, including protests and riots.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts a police shooting, protests, and riot scenes central to the plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Hate U Give
If you liked The Hate U Give, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Boyz n the Hood (1991) — 86%: Classic story of growing up amid violence in South Central.
- Freedom Writers (2007) — 87%: Teacher helps struggling teens find their voices.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) — 87%: Heartfelt teen drama about finding your place.
- The Edge of Seventeen (2016) — 82%: Honest, funny and painful look at teen life.
- Eighth Grade (2018) — 80%: Honest coming-of-age drama about growing up.
- Les Misérables (2019) — 86%: Tense look at community, policing and tension in France.
Director
Cast
- Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter
- Regina Hall as Lisa Carter
- Russell Hornsby as Maverick Carter
- KJ Apa as Chris Bryant
- Common as Uncle Carlos
- Anthony Mackie as King
- Algee Smith as Khalil Harris
- Lamar Johnson as Seven Carter
- Issa Rae as April Ofrah
- Sabrina Carpenter as Hailey Grant
The Hate U Give FAQ
Is The Hate U Give worth watching?
Must-watch. A strong drama about a teen who witnesses a police shooting and has to decide whether to speak out. It's emotional and angry without being preachy, and the lead performance carries it.
Where can I watch The Hate U Give?
In the US you can stream The Hate U Give on Starz and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Hate U Give OK for kids?
The Hate U Give is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Hate U Give is a PG-13 drama about a teen girl who witnesses a police shooting and grapples with the aftermath, including protests and riots.
What movies are like The Hate U Give?
If you liked The Hate U Give, try Boyz n the Hood, Freedom Writers, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Edge of Seventeen.