The Lovely Bones (2009)
Kernel Score: 81% · 4,876 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Fantasy, Drama
Released: 2009-12-26
Runtime: 136 minutes
Is The Lovely Bones worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A murdered teenager watches over her family from a dreamlike afterlife. Saoirse Ronan is excellent, but the film's heaven imagery and uneven tone split viewers.
Watch it if you
- like emotional dramas about grief
- enjoy Saoirse Ronan
- can accept a fantasy-drama hybrid
Skip it if you
- dislike stories about child murder
- want a tight thriller
Best for: Emotional night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Lovely Bones
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, Peacock
- Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After being brutally murdered, 14-year-old Susie Salmon watches from heaven over her grief-stricken family -- and her killer. As she observes their daily lives, she must balance her thirst for revenge with her desire for her family to heal.
The Lovely Bones parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that The Lovely Bones is a PG-13 drama about a murdered teenage girl watching over her grieving family, dealing with themes of sexual abuse and murder.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts the murder of a 14-year-old girl by a serial killer/pedophile, plus themes of childhood sexual abuse, handled largely off-screen but heavily implied.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — References to rape and childhood sexual abuse are central to the plot, though not graphically depicted.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Lovely Bones
If you liked The Lovely Bones, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- A Monster Calls (2016) — 82%: Fantasy drama that uses imagination to help with grief.
- Big Fish (2003) — 87%: Fantastical, emotional story about family and loss.
- The Green Mile (1999) — 92%: Long, moving drama with a supernatural touch.
- Pan's Labyrinth (2006) — 87%: Fantasy and tragedy told through a young girl's eyes.
- It's a Wonderful Life (1946) — 91%: Classic about what the dead and living mean to each other.
- About Time (2013) — 89%: Gentle, emotional drama about family and time.
Cast
- Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon
- Mark Wahlberg as Jack Salmon
- Rachel Weisz as Abigail Salmon
- Susan Sarandon as Grandma Lynn
- Stanley Tucci as George Harvey
- Rose McIver as Lindsey Salmon
- Michael Imperioli as Len Fenerman
- Carolyn Dando as Ruth Connors
- Christian Ashdale as Buckley Salmon
- Reece Ritchie as Ray Singh
The Lovely Bones FAQ
Is The Lovely Bones worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A murdered teenager watches over her family from a dreamlike afterlife. Saoirse Ronan is excellent, but the film's heaven imagery and uneven tone split viewers.
Where can I watch The Lovely Bones?
In the US you can stream The Lovely Bones on Fubo, Paramount+ and Peacock, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Lovely Bones OK for kids?
The Lovely Bones is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that The Lovely Bones is a PG-13 drama about a murdered teenage girl watching over her grieving family, dealing with themes of sexual abuse and murder.
What movies are like The Lovely Bones?
If you liked The Lovely Bones, try A Monster Calls, Big Fish, The Green Mile and Pan's Labyrinth.