The Kissing Booth (2018)
Kernel Score: 80% · 7,408 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2018-05-11
Runtime: 105 minutes
Is The Kissing Booth worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A shallow, glossy teen romance with a predictable plot and some dated attitudes. If you want light, easy fluff it works, but it's far from the best of its kind.
Watch it if you
- like easy teen romances
- want something light and undemanding
- are fine with a familiar formula
Skip it if you
- want a smart or fresh story
- dislike clichéd romance
Best for: Easy night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Kissing Booth
- Stream: Netflix
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When teenager Elle's first kiss leads to a forbidden romance with the hottest boy in high school, she risks her relationship with her best friend.
The Kissing Booth parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Kissing Booth is a teen romantic comedy about a forbidden high-school romance and its strain on a friendship.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Teen romance includes kissing and a forbidden crush storyline; rated PG-13 for suggestive content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Kissing Booth
If you liked The Kissing Booth, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018) — 86%: Better written, sweeter teen romance.
- The Kissing Booth 2 (2020) — 85%: The direct sequel.
- Through My Window (2022) — 82%: Another glossy teen romance.
- After (2019) — 78%: Another popular teen romance.
- Booksmart (2019) — 78%: Much funnier, sharper teen friendship story.
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) — 86%: A more thoughtful teen friendship story.
Director
Cast
- Joey King as Elle Evans
- Joel Courtney as Lee Flynn
- Jacob Elordi as Noah Flynn
- Molly Ringwald as Mrs. Flynn
- Stephen Jennings as Mike Evans
- Carson White as Brad Evans
- Meganne Young as Rachel
- Frances Sholto-Douglas as British Beauty
- Nathan Lynn as Yearbook Guy
- Byron Langley as Warren
The Kissing Booth FAQ
Is The Kissing Booth worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A shallow, glossy teen romance with a predictable plot and some dated attitudes. If you want light, easy fluff it works, but it's far from the best of its kind.
Where can I watch The Kissing Booth?
In the US you can stream The Kissing Booth on Netflix.
Is The Kissing Booth OK for kids?
The Kissing Booth is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Kissing Booth is a teen romantic comedy about a forbidden high-school romance and its strain on a friendship.
What movies are like The Kissing Booth?
If you liked The Kissing Booth, try To All the Boys I've Loved Before, The Kissing Booth 2, Through My Window and After.