American Beauty (1999)
A suburban father's mid-life crisis becomes a darkly comic, melancholy, and intimate satire.
Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father in a mid-life crisis, decides to turn his hectic life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter's attractive friend.
How intense is American Beauty?
American Beauty has no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. The humor runs dry and dark. Rated R.
What American Beauty feels like
- Tone
- darkly comicsatiricalmelancholyintimate
- Pace
- Measured
- Humor
- dry and witty, dark and satirical
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream American Beauty
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 12, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is American Beauty for you?
Is American Beauty scary?
No. American Beauty is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is American Beauty gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is American Beauty sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is American Beauty OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3.
How long is American Beauty?
American Beauty runs 2h 2m.
Where can I stream American Beauty?
American Beauty is streaming on Hoopla.
Does American Beauty have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
No. Brace yourself.
Cast and crew
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