The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)
Kernel Score: 77% · 5,111 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 2013-03-20
Runtime: 140 minutes
Is The Place Beyond the Pines worth watching?
Worth watching. A three-part story of a stunt rider, a cop and their sons, following the consequences of one crime across years. It's ambitious and well acted, but the final act is weaker than the first two.
Watch it if you
- like long, serious crime dramas
- enjoy stories about fathers and sons
- want Ryan Gosling in a brooding role
Skip it if you
- want a quick-moving thriller
- dislike slow pacing and a shifting structure
Best for: Quiet weekend night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Place Beyond the Pines
- Free with ads: 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
A motorcycle stunt rider considers committing a crime in order to provide for his wife and child, an act that puts him on a collision course with a cop-turned-politician.
The Place Beyond the Pines parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated crime drama includes bank robbery, police corruption, and a fatal shooting.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes a bank robbery, hostage situation, and violent confrontation between a criminal and police, rated R.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Some drinking is implied in the crime-drama milieu.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Place Beyond the Pines
If you liked The Place Beyond the Pines, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Blue Valentine (2010) — 78%: Same director's raw, unflinching relationship drama with Gosling.
- A Bronx Tale (1993) — 87%: Crime drama about fathers, sons and the choices that shape them.
- A Simple Plan (1998) — 82%: A crime that spirals into long-lasting consequences.
- Miller's Crossing (1990) — 85%: Serious crime drama with strong performances.
- The Godfather (1972) — 96%: Epic crime saga of family and consequence.
- City of God (2002) — 92%: Crime drama where violence echoes across years.
Director
Cast
- Ryan Gosling as Luke Glanton
- Bradley Cooper as Avery Cross
- Eva Mendes as Romina Gutierrez
- Rose Byrne as Jennifer Cross
- Ray Liotta as Peter Deluca
- Dane DeHaan as Jason Kancam
- Emory Cohen as AJ Cross
- Mahershala Ali as Kofi Kancam
- Bruce Greenwood as Bill Killcullen
- Ben Mendelsohn as Robin Van Der Hook
The Place Beyond the Pines FAQ
Is The Place Beyond the Pines worth watching?
Worth watching. A three-part story of a stunt rider, a cop and their sons, following the consequences of one crime across years. It's ambitious and well acted, but the final act is weaker than the first two.
Where can I watch The Place Beyond the Pines?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Place Beyond the Pines OK for kids?
The Place Beyond the Pines is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated crime drama includes bank robbery, police corruption, and a fatal shooting.
What movies are like The Place Beyond the Pines?
If you liked The Place Beyond the Pines, try Blue Valentine, A Bronx Tale, A Simple Plan and Miller's Crossing.