The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
Kernel Score: 82% · 1,118 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
Released: 1985-03-01
Runtime: 82 minutes
Where to watch The Purple Rose of Cairo
- Free with ads: Hoopla, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Cecilia is a waitress in New Jersey, living a dreary life during the Great Depression. Her only escape from her mundane reality is the movie theatre. After losing her job, Cecilia goes to see 'The Purple Rose of Cairo' in hopes of raising her spirits, where she watches dashing archaeologist Tom Baxter time and again.
The Purple Rose of Cairo parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that The Purple Rose of Cairo is a PG fantasy-romance about a Depression-era woman escaping her hard life through movies.
- Violence & scariness: None — No meaningful violence; the film is a gentle romantic fantasy.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Purple Rose of Cairo
If you liked The Purple Rose of Cairo, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Just Like Heaven (2005) — 76%
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) — 83%
- Notting Hill (1999) — 82%
- Ariel (1988) — 80%
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) — 86%
- The Artist (2011) — 83%
- The Roaring Twenties (1939) — 84%
- Little Manhattan (2005) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Mia Farrow as Cecilia
- Jeff Daniels as Tom Baxter / Gil Shepherd
- Danny Aiello as Monk
- Irving Metzman as Theater Manager
- Stephanie Farrow as Cecilia's Sister
- Edward Herrmann as Henry
- John Wood as Jason
- Deborah Rush as Rita
- Van Johnson as Larry
- Zoe Caldwell as The Countess
The Purple Rose of Cairo FAQ
Is The Purple Rose of Cairo good?
The Purple Rose of Cairo has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,118 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Purple Rose of Cairo?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Purple Rose of Cairo OK for kids?
The Purple Rose of Cairo is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that The Purple Rose of Cairo is a PG fantasy-romance about a Depression-era woman escaping her hard life through movies.
What movies are like The Purple Rose of Cairo?
If you liked The Purple Rose of Cairo, try Just Like Heaven, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Notting Hill and Ariel.