Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- sincere
- warm
- wistful
- family movie night
- reflective weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics found the film sincere and emotionally affecting but overly sentimental and uneven in execution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Simon Birch's conviction that God has chosen him for a great purpose drives his actions and self-understanding.
Simon and Joe's bond forms the central relationship, shaping both boys' development and their responses to family and loss.
Simon’s stunted growth affects how others perceive him and informs his determination to prove his worth.
Church life, Reverend Russell, and Simon’s religious convictions structure the film’s social world and thematic language.
Films like Simon Birch, and why
Stand by Me
shared coming-of-age drama, childhood friendship, gentle humor, and emotionally poignant treatment of loss
The Cider House Rules
shared family drama, childhood perspective, spiritual themes, and bittersweet emotional tone
The Mighty
shared coming-of-age storytelling, outsider protagonist, friendship, and warm yet tragic family themes
The Secret of Roan Inish
shared faith-centered drama, child protagonists, moral purpose, and uplifting sentiment
Movie Details
- Director
- Mark Steven Johnson
- Release Date
- 1998-09-11
- Runtime
- 114 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (281)
Cast
- Ian Michael Smith
- Joseph Mazzello
- Ashley Judd
- Oliver Platt
- David Strathairn
- Dana Ivey
- Beatrice Winde
- Jan Hooks
- Cecilley Carroll
- Sumela-Rose Keramidopulos
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Simon Birch about?
- A physically different boy and his loyal friend navigate faith, belonging, and growing up in an emotionally charged family drama.
- What is Simon Birch like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Simon Birch as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Simon Birch violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Simon Birch as mild.
- What did critics think of Simon Birch?
- Critics found the film sincere and emotionally affecting but overly sentimental and uneven in execution.
- Which films are like Simon Birch?
- Films with a similar feel include Stand by Me, The Cider House Rules, The Mighty, and The Secret of Roan Inish.
- How long is Simon Birch?
- Simon Birch runs 114 minutes.
- Where can I watch Simon Birch?
- In United States, Simon Birch streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
