The Way Way Back (2013)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,902 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2013-06-06
Runtime: 103 minutes
Where to watch The Way Way Back
- Stream: Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.
The Way Way Back parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Way Way Back is a coming-of-age comedy-drama about a shy teen finding a mentor at a water park during an awkward family summer vacation.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Way Way Back
If you liked The Way Way Back, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Half Brothers (2020) — 81%
- Breaking Away (1979) — 80%
- Radio Days (1987) — 79%
- My Girl (1991) — 83%
- Flipped (2010) — 88%
- The First Time (2012) — 76%
- Paddleton (2019) — 77%
- Stutz (2022) — 85%
Director
Jim Rash
Cast
- Liam James as Duncan
- Steve Carell as Trent Ramsey
- Toni Collette as Pam
- AnnaSophia Robb as Susanna Thompson
- Sam Rockwell as Owen
- Allison Janney as Betty Thompson
- Maya Rudolph as Caitlyn
- Amanda Peet as Joan
- Rob Corddry as Kip
- Nat Faxon as Roddy
The Way Way Back FAQ
Is The Way Way Back good?
The Way Way Back has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,902 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Way Way Back?
In the US you can stream The Way Way Back on Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Way Way Back OK for kids?
The Way Way Back is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Way Way Back is a coming-of-age comedy-drama about a shy teen finding a mentor at a water park during an awkward family summer vacation.
What movies are like The Way Way Back?
If you liked The Way Way Back, try Half Brothers, Breaking Away, Radio Days and My Girl.