Performance & Direction: Kids Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Kids (1995) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Kids features a noteworthy lineup led by Leo Fitzpatrick . Supported by the likes of Justin Pierce and Chloë Sevigny , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Kids
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1995, Kids is a Drama, Crime film directed by Larry Clark. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Leo Fitzpatrick.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A group of bored, disaffected New York City teenagers spend a day skating, smoking, drinking, partying, deflowering virgins, and getting into fights. The screenplay takes time to develop Leo Fitzpatrick's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Leo Fitzpatrick's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Kids
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Larry Clark, Kids concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Leo Fitzpatrick, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Kids reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Kids Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Kids incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film directed by Larry Clark, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Leo Fitzpatrick's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Kids adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Kids?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Leo Fitzpatrick or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Kids
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $20.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Kids Budget
The estimated production budget for Kids is $1.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Kids
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Where to Watch Kids Online?
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Apple TV Store
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Sky Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
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Sky StoreKids Parents Guide & Age Rating
1995 AdvisoryWondering about Kids age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Kids is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Kids is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1995 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kids worth watching?
Kids is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Kids parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Kids identifies it as NC-17. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Kids?
The total duration of Kids is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.
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Critic Reviews for Kids
Where and how am I going to start this review because it truly gives you the 😯😯🤯😳😮😵💫. A few friends and I during the whole thing. One thing for sure, it's a really good movie for teaching kids that bad decisions have incredibly worse consequences. Although I do suggest watching it because it does actually grab your attention and keeps it. If you have seen movies that were similar like "Bully" and liked it then I feel comfortable enough to that you will like this as well. I know I will be adding to this review but for the moment that's all I have
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.










