Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- nostalgic
- wistful
- warm
- quiet weekend viewing
- nostalgic movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film a warm, mature coming-of-age romance whose strongest asset is Sean Penn's complex performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Henry and Nicky face romance, trouble, family expectations, and imminent military service before entering adulthood.
The characters have only a short time before shipping off to World War II, making impending departure a central pressure.
Nicky's irresponsible behavior forces Henry and Caddie to become involved and strains both relationships.
Henry begins courting Caddie because he believes she is wealthy, complicating their emotional connection.
Films like Racing with the Moon, and why
The Last Picture Show
shared coming-of-age drama, wartime anticipation, youthful romance, and nostalgic small-town atmosphere
A River Runs Through It
shared teen romance, prewar social transition, wistful nostalgia, and ensemble character drama
The Outsiders
shared young male friendship, impending military service, romantic uncertainty, and bittersweet maturation
Brooklyn
shared period coming-of-age themes, blue-collar community, romantic longing, and warm dramatic tone
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Benjamin
- Release Date
- 1984-03-23
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (101)
Cast
- Sean Penn
- Nicolas Cage
- Elizabeth McGovern
- John Karlen
- Rutanya Alda
- Max Showalter
- Crispin Glover
- Barbara Howard
- Bob Maroff
- Carol Kane
Where to watch in United States
- 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 Racing with the Moon about?
- Two small-town friends confront romance, reckless loyalty, and the sudden pull of adulthood as World War II approaches.
- What is Racing with the Moon like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Racing with the Moon as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Racing with the Moon violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Racing with the Moon.
- What did critics think of Racing with the Moon?
- Critics generally found the film a warm, mature coming-of-age romance whose strongest asset is Sean Penn's complex performance.
- Which films are like Racing with the Moon?
- Films with a similar feel include The Last Picture Show, A River Runs Through It, The Outsiders, and Brooklyn.
- How long is Racing with the Moon?
- Racing with the Moon runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch Racing with the Moon?
- In United States, Racing with the Moon is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
