The Nice Guys (2016)
Kernel Score: 78% · 8,482 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Action
Released: 2016-05-15
Runtime: 116 minutes
Is The Nice Guys worth watching?
Worth watching. A funny 1970s Los Angeles noir with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as a mismatched pair of detectives. The jokes are dark and the plot loose, but the chemistry is the reason to watch.
Watch it if you
- like buddy comedies with a noir plot
- enjoy Ryan Gosling's physical comedy
- want 1970s atmosphere
Skip it if you
- want a tightly plotted mystery
- dislike crude humour and violence
Best for: Date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Nice Guys
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.
The Nice Guys parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Nice Guys is an R-rated buddy-cop comedy-crime film with violence, alcoholism, and a porn-industry murder investigation.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Crime-action comedy involving a murder investigation and gunplay typical of an R-rated buddy-cop film.
- Language: Moderate — R rating and crime-comedy tone indicate frequent strong language.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Features an alcoholic private eye and alcoholism as a recurring plot element.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Nice Guys
If you liked The Nice Guys, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) — 81%: Shane Black's earlier crime comedy with the same banter.
- L.A. Confidential (1997) — 89%: Classic LA crime story with a sharp mystery.
- Chinatown (1974) — 87%: The ultimate Los Angeles mystery, darker and more serious.
- The Long Goodbye (1973) — 83%: Laid-back LA detective story with an odd sense of humour.
- Hot Fuzz (2007) — 86%: Another fast, funny buddy-cop movie.
- Knives Out (2019) — 86%: A fun, twisty mystery with an ensemble cast.
Director
Cast
- Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy
- Ryan Gosling as Holland March
- Angourie Rice as Holly March
- Matt Bomer as John Boy
- Margaret Qualley as Amelia Kuttner
- Yaya DaCosta as Tally
- Keith David as Older Guy
- Beau Knapp as Blueface
- Lois Smith as Mrs. Glenn
- Murielle Telio as Misty Mountains
The Nice Guys FAQ
Is The Nice Guys worth watching?
Worth watching. A funny 1970s Los Angeles noir with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as a mismatched pair of detectives. The jokes are dark and the plot loose, but the chemistry is the reason to watch.
Where can I watch The Nice Guys?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Nice Guys OK for kids?
The Nice Guys is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Nice Guys is an R-rated buddy-cop comedy-crime film with violence, alcoholism, and a porn-industry murder investigation.
What movies are like The Nice Guys?
If you liked The Nice Guys, try Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, L.A. Confidential, Chinatown and The Long Goodbye.