The Squid and the Whale (2005)
Kernel Score: 77% · 1,054 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2005-10-05
Runtime: 81 minutes
Where to watch The Squid and the Whale
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Based on the true childhood experiences of Noah Baumbach and his brother, The Squid and the Whale tells the touching story of two young boys dealing with their parents' divorce in Brooklyn in the 1980s.
The Squid and the Whale parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Squid and the Whale is an R-rated drama about a bitter divorce seen through the eyes of two boys.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — References an affair/tryst and adult relationship complications tied to the parents' separation.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Squid and the Whale
If you liked The Squid and the Whale, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rushmore (1998) — 84%
- Blinded by the Light (2019) — 76%
- The Hand of God (2021) — 83%
- Center of My World (2016) — 80%
- The Goldfinch (2019) — 81%
- Russian Ark (2002) — 81%
- Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass (2025) — 64%
Director
Cast
- Jeff Daniels as Bernard Berkman
- Laura Linney as Joan Berkman
- Jesse Eisenberg as Walt Berkman
- Owen Kline as Frank Berkman
- William Baldwin as Ivan
- Halley Feiffer as Sophie Greenberg
- Anna Paquin as Lili
- David Benger as Carl
- Molly Barton as Graduate Student
- Bo Berkman as Graduate Student
The Squid and the Whale FAQ
Is The Squid and the Whale good?
The Squid and the Whale has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,054 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Squid and the Whale?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Squid and the Whale OK for kids?
The Squid and the Whale is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Squid and the Whale is an R-rated drama about a bitter divorce seen through the eyes of two boys.
What movies are like The Squid and the Whale?
If you liked The Squid and the Whale, try Rushmore, Blinded by the Light, The Hand of God and Center of My World.