Where the Heart Is (2000)
Kernel Score: 81% · 736 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 2000-04-27
Runtime: 120 minutes
Where to watch Where the Heart Is
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Novalee Nation is a 17-year-old Tennessee transient who has to grow up in a hurry when she's left pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend on a roadside, and takes refuge in the friendly aisles of Wal-Mart. Eventually, some eccentric but kindly strangers 'adopt' Novalee and her infant daughter, helping them buck the odds and build a new life.
Where the Heart Is parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Where the Heart Is follows a pregnant, abandoned teenager who builds a new life with the help of found family.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — The plot involves a 17-year-old who becomes pregnant and is abandoned by her boyfriend.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Where the Heart Is
If you liked Where the Heart Is, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Juno (2007) — 79%
- Love, Rosie (2014) — 86%
- Fatherhood (2021) — 86%
- Stepmom (1998) — 80%
- Raising Arizona (1987) — 80%
- The Child (2005) — 78%
- The Grapes of Wrath (1940) — 86%
- Iron Man 3 (2013) — 78%
Director
Matt Williams
Cast
- Natalie Portman as Novalee Nation
- Ashley Judd as Lexie Coop
- Stockard Channing as Thelma 'Sister' Husband
- Joan Cusack as Ruth Meyers
- Sally Field as Mama Lil
- James Frain as Forney Hull
- Dylan Bruno as Willy Jack Pickens
- Keith David as Moses Whitecotten
- Ray Prewitt as Tim
- Laura House as Nicki
Where the Heart Is FAQ
Is Where the Heart Is good?
Where the Heart Is has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 736 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Where the Heart Is?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Where the Heart Is OK for kids?
Where the Heart Is is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Where the Heart Is follows a pregnant, abandoned teenager who builds a new life with the help of found family.
What movies are like Where the Heart Is?
If you liked Where the Heart Is, try Juno, Love, Rosie, Fatherhood and Stepmom.