
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- witty
- uplifting
- sincere
- family movie night
- lazy weekend
What critics said
Critics generally found the film accessible and positive in its message of teenage self-expression and individuality, while noting weaknesses in the portrayal of Tara's shyness.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Tara's private podcast identity as Radio Rebel allows her to speak boldly while remaining hidden from classmates.
Tara's transformation from unable to write on a classroom board to outspoken radio host centers the film's self-confidence message.
After Principal Moreno cancels Prom, students blame the anonymous Radio Rebel for the loss.
Tara's stepfather discovers her secret and moves her podcast from her bedroom into SLAM radio's studio.
Films like Radio Rebel, and why
Lemonade Mouth
teen coming of age, hidden identity, music-centered self-expression, and an uplifting family-friendly tone
Geek Charming
shy teenager gains confidence through performance while navigating school rivalry and adolescent friendships
The Cheetah Girls
family-friendly teen comedy-drama about individuality, school pressures, and finding a public voice
Movie Details
- Director
- Peter Howitt
- Release Date
- 2012-06-09
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (852)
Cast
- Debby Ryan
- Sarena Parmar
- Adam DiMarco
- Atticus Mitchell
- Merritt Patterson
- Allie Bertram
- Iain Belcher
- Rowen Kahn
- Nancy Robertson
- Martin Cummins
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus
- 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 Radio Rebel about?
- A painfully shy high school student discovers a fearless public voice through an anonymous radio persona, only to face backlash when her broadcasts become blamed for a canceled Prom.
- What is Radio Rebel like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Radio Rebel as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Radio Rebel violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Radio Rebel.
- What did critics think of Radio Rebel?
- Critics generally found the film accessible and positive in its message of teenage self-expression and individuality, while noting weaknesses in the portrayal of Tara's shyness.
- Which films are like Radio Rebel?
- Films with a similar feel include Lemonade Mouth, Geek Charming, and The Cheetah Girls.
- How long is Radio Rebel?
- Radio Rebel runs 90 minutes.
- Where can I watch Radio Rebel?
- In United States, Radio Rebel streams on Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus.












