The Shack (2017)

Kernel Score: 83% · 2,224 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama, Family

Released: 2017-03-02

Runtime: 132 minutes

Is The Shack worth watching?

Depends on your taste. The Shack is an earnest faith drama about a grieving father who meets God in a mountain cabin. Viewers who share its beliefs find it moving and comforting, while others may find it preachy and slow.

Watch it if you

  • are drawn to faith-based dramas
  • are working through grief
  • like gentle, reflective stories

Skip it if you

  • dislike religious messaging
  • want a subtle or tightly paced drama

Best for: Reflective night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Shack

  • Stream: Angel Studios
  • Free with ads: VIX
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A grieving man receives a mysterious, personal invitation to meet with God at a place called 'The Shack'.

The Shack parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that The Shack is a PG-13 faith-based drama about a grieving father confronting loss and finding hope through a spiritual encounter.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Involves the off-screen death of a child, a heavy but non-graphic emotional element per keywords.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Shack

If you liked The Shack, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Miracles from Heaven (2016) — 86%: Faith-centred family drama about hope after hardship
  • It's a Wonderful Life (1946) — 91%: Classic about despair, meaning and community
  • The Lovely Bones (2009) — 81%: Grief and the afterlife seen through a family's pain
  • Wonder (2017) — 90%: Gentle, kind-hearted family drama
  • The Blind Side (2009) — 86%: Warm, faith-adjacent true story about compassion
  • I Still Believe (2020) — 86%: Faith-centred story of love, loss and belief

Director

Stuart Hazeldine

Cast

  • Sam Worthington as Mack Phillips
  • Octavia Spencer as Papa / Elouisa
  • Tim McGraw as Willie
  • Aviv Alush as Jesus
  • Sumire as Sarayu
  • Radha Mitchell as Nan Phillips
  • Graham Greene as Male Papa
  • Gage Munroe as Josh Phillips
  • Megan Charpentier as Kate Phillips
  • Lane Edwards as Officer Dalton

The Shack FAQ

Is The Shack worth watching?

Depends on your taste. The Shack is an earnest faith drama about a grieving father who meets God in a mountain cabin. Viewers who share its beliefs find it moving and comforting, while others may find it preachy and slow.

Where can I watch The Shack?

In the US you can stream The Shack on Angel Studios, watch it free with ads on VIX and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Shack OK for kids?

The Shack is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Shack is a PG-13 faith-based drama about a grieving father confronting loss and finding hope through a spiritual encounter.

What movies are like The Shack?

If you liked The Shack, try Miracles from Heaven, It's a Wonderful Life, The Lovely Bones and Wonder.