The Red Balloon (1956)
Kernel Score: 86% · 434 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Released: 1956-08-24
Runtime: 34 minutes
Where to watch The Red Balloon
- Stream: The Criterion Channel, FlixFling, HBO Max, Artify
- Free with ads: Plex, Mometu
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A young boy discovers a stray balloon, which seems to have a mind of its own, on the streets of Paris. The two become inseparable, yet the world’s harsh realities finally interfere.
The Red Balloon parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that The Red Balloon is a gentle, dialogue-free French family film about a boy's friendship with a magical balloon in Paris.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Some children in the film are unkind and chase/attack the balloon, but there is no realistic violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Red Balloon
If you liked The Red Balloon, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012) — 78%
- Like Stars on Earth (2007) — 87%
- Petite Maman (2021) — 77%
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) — 81%
- Summer 1993 (2017) — 76%
- Miraculous World: Paris, Tales of Shadybug and Claw Noir (2023) — 83%
- Ballerina (2016) — 81%
- The Snowman (1982) — 85%
Director
Albert Lamorisse
Cast
- Pascal Lamorisse as Pascal, the Little Boy
- Georges Sellier as The Irritated Schoolmaster
- Vladimir Popov as A Tenant
- Paul Perey as Pascal's Father
- Renée Marion as Pascal's Mother
- Sabine Lamorisse as Little Girl with Blue Balloon
- Michel Pezin
- Renaud as A Twin in Red
- David Séchan as A Twin in Red
The Red Balloon FAQ
Is The Red Balloon good?
The Red Balloon has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 434 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Red Balloon?
In the US you can stream The Red Balloon on The Criterion Channel, FlixFling, HBO Max and Artify, watch it free with ads on Plex and Mometu and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home and FlixFling.
Is The Red Balloon OK for kids?
The Red Balloon is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Red Balloon is a gentle, dialogue-free French family film about a boy's friendship with a magical balloon in Paris.
What movies are like The Red Balloon?
If you liked The Red Balloon, try The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Like Stars on Earth, Petite Maman and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.