Kramer vs. Kramer
A career-driven Manhattan father learns to parent alone before a custody battle forces both former spouses to confront what their family needs.
Overview
A man's life is turned upside down as he learns the true meaning of family and responsibility.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- realistic
- intimate
- witty
- reflective evening
- family drama night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Robert Benton's intelligent, emotionally honest screenplay and direction, along with Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep's deeply credible performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ted must learn housekeeping and direct responsibility for Billy after Joanna leaves, reshaping his priorities and identity.
Ted and Joanna both seek custody of Billy, while the film gives their marriage and motivations human complexity.
Ted becomes the primary caregiver while Joanna challenges conventional assumptions about maternal and paternal responsibility in 1970s America.
The story focuses on childcare, work pressures, marital rupture, and courtroom consequences in a low-key, realistic register.
Films like Kramer vs. Kramer, and why
The Squid and the Whale
shared divorce drama, custody conflict, emotionally grounded family relationships, and acclaimed lead performances
A Separation
shared intimate domestic drama, parental responsibility, marital breakdown, and understated emotional realism
The War of the Roses
shared courtroom-centered family conflict, marital dissolution, and compassionate examination of competing perspectives
Mrs. Doubtfire
shared custody dispute, changing gender roles, and emotionally direct domestic storytelling
Movie Details
- Director
- Robert Benton
- Release Date
- 1979-12-07
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (2551)
Cast
- Dustin Hoffman
- Meryl Streep
- Jane Alexander
- Justin Henry
- Howard Duff
- George Coe
- JoBeth Williams
- Bill Moor
- Howland Chamberlain
- Jack Ramage
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- 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 Kramer vs. Kramer about?
- A career-driven Manhattan father learns to parent alone before a custody battle forces both former spouses to confront what their family needs.
- What is Kramer vs. Kramer like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Kramer vs. Kramer as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Kramer vs. Kramer violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Kramer vs. Kramer.
- What did critics think of Kramer vs. Kramer?
- Critics broadly praised Robert Benton's intelligent, emotionally honest screenplay and direction, along with Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep's deeply credible performances.
- Which films are like Kramer vs. Kramer?
- Films with a similar feel include The Squid and the Whale, A Separation, The War of the Roses, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
- How long is Kramer vs. Kramer?
- Kramer vs. Kramer runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Kramer vs. Kramer?
- In United States, Kramer vs. Kramer streams on fuboTV, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel.
