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Trailer

The Boys Are Back

2009Movie1 h 44 minPG-13

Drama
62
DecentGoodWatch score
IMDb6.8Metacritic574.6Rotten Tomatoes73%61%

A deeply moving, melancholic drama movie about family and everyday modern life, with standout characters.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

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Not for laughs or scares.

Movies with

Story

Inspired by a true story.

When the wife of sports-writer Joe Warr dies of cancer, he takes on the responsibility of raising their 6-year-old son, and his teenage son from a previous marriage. As Joe rejects the counsel of his mother-in-law and other parents, he develops his own philosophies on parenting.

Feels like

  • Melancholy Family Drama
  • Grief and Healing
  • Father-Son Relationship
  • Contemporary Australia
  • Parenting Styles
  • Emotional Realism
  • Character-Driven
  • Existential Themes

Cast

15 of 15

Crew

Directed by
Scott Hicks
Written by
Simon Carr
Produced by
Timothy White, Greg Brenman, Bella Wright
Music by
Hal Lindes

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

September 25, 2009 · 1 h 44 min · PG-13

Released
September 25, 2009
Runtime
1 h 44 min
Age rating
PG-13
Content
Strong Language
Genres
Drama
Original language
English
Made in
Australia, United Kingdom
Available in
23 countries
Keywords
based on true story

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream The Boys Are Back?"

Questions about The Boys Are Back

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Boys Are Back?

HooplaHistory Vault

In the United States, The Boys Are Back streams on History Vault, and it is free with ads on Hoopla. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 4 other countries.

Is The Boys Are Back worth watching?

62
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 62 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 73%, and Metacritic 57).

Is The Boys Are Back okay for kids?

PG-13Strong language

Yes: it's rated PG-13 in the United States for strong language, and the viewing guide lists it for family nights.

Is The Boys Are Back plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (9 of 10) and pathos (9 of 10) more than on its plot.

Is The Boys Are Back good for date night?

and 4 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFamily Movie NightFriends Night

Yes: romance is 6 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.