The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
Kernel Score: 86% · 564 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Family, Adventure, Drama
Released: 2008-09-17
Runtime: 114 minutes
Where to watch The Secret Life of Bees
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Set in South Carolina in 1964, this is the tale of Lily Owens a 14 year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past.
The Secret Life of Bees parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Secret Life of Bees is a PG-13 family drama set in 1964 dealing with grief and a troubled father-daughter relationship.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Secret Life of Bees
If you liked The Secret Life of Bees, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Shack (2017) — 83%
- Udaan (2010) — 81%
- A Short Film About Love (1988) — 86%
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) — 84%
- Brainstorm (2001) — 89%
- Gran Turismo (2023) — 86%
- The Miracle Season (2018) — 82%
- Fanny and Alexander (1982) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens
- Queen Latifah as August Boatwright
- Jennifer Hudson as Rosaleen Daise
- Alicia Keys as June Boatwright
- Sophie Okonedo as May Boatwright
- Paul Bettany as T. Ray Owens
- Hilarie Burton as Deborah Owens
- Tristan Mack Wilds as Zach Taylor
- Nate Parker as Neil
- Shondrella Avery as Greta
The Secret Life of Bees FAQ
Is The Secret Life of Bees good?
The Secret Life of Bees has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 564 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Secret Life of Bees?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Secret Life of Bees OK for kids?
The Secret Life of Bees is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Secret Life of Bees is a PG-13 family drama set in 1964 dealing with grief and a troubled father-daughter relationship.
What movies are like The Secret Life of Bees?
If you liked The Secret Life of Bees, try The Shack, Udaan, A Short Film About Love and The Royal Tenenbaums.