This Boy's Life (1993)
Kernel Score: 78% · 1,062 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1993-04-09
Runtime: 115 minutes
Where to watch This Boy's Life
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When a son and mother move to Seattle in hopes for a better life, the mother meets a seemingly polite man. Things go south when the man turns out to be abusive, endangering their lives. As the mother struggles to maintain hope in an impossible situation, the son has plans to escape.
This Boy's Life parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that This Boy's Life is an R-rated drama depicting an abusive stepfather and a troubled mother-son relationship in the 1950s.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts domestic abuse from a violent, controlling stepfather.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Includes depiction of an alcoholic figure within the family.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like This Boy's Life
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- Evil (2003) — 81%
- How Green Was My Valley (1941) — 82%
- The Return (2003) — 81%
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Director
Michael Caton-Jones
Cast
- Robert De Niro as Dwight Hansen
- Ellen Barkin as Caroline Wolff Hansen
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Tobias Wolff
- Chris Cooper as Roy
- Eliza Dushku as Pearl
- Jonah Blechman as Arthur Gayle
- Kathy Kinney as Marian
- Gerrit Graham as Mr. Howard
- Carla Gugino as Norma
- Zachary Ansley as Skipper
This Boy's Life FAQ
Is This Boy's Life good?
This Boy's Life has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,062 audience ratings.
Where can I watch This Boy's Life?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is This Boy's Life OK for kids?
This Boy's Life is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that This Boy's Life is an R-rated drama depicting an abusive stepfather and a troubled mother-son relationship in the 1950s.
What movies are like This Boy's Life?
If you liked This Boy's Life, try Beautiful Boy, Nocturnal Animals, My Own Private Idaho and Evil.