The Kissing Booth (2018) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“The Kissing Booth,” directed by Vince Marcello, is a romantic comedy that quickly became a sensation on Netflix after its release in May 2018. Based on the novel by Beth Reekles, the film tells the story of Elle Evans, a high school student who finds herself in a complicated romantic situation that tests her friendship, loyalty, and the classic teenage quest for love.
Plot Summary
The story centers around Elle Evans (Joey King), a quirky and endearing high school junior, who, along with her best friend Lee Flynn (Joel Courtney), has set a series of friendship rules since childhood. One of the most important rules is that Elle is forbidden from dating Lee’s older brother, Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi), a rebellious and attractive senior who has a reputation for being a bad boy.
The plot thickens when Elle and Lee organize a kissing booth for their school carnival. When Noah ends up being one of the volunteers for the booth, sparks fly between him and Elle. This unexpected connection leads Elle to confront her feelings for Noah while trying to maintain her lifelong friendship with Lee. The movie explores the dynamics of teenage love, friendship, and the challenges that come with breaking the rules of loyalty.
Character Performances
Joey King shines as Elle, bringing a blend of humor, vulnerability, and charm to the role. Her portrayal captures the confusion and excitement of teenage love, making Elle a relatable character for audiences. Jacob Elordi, as Noah, brings a brooding yet charismatic energy to the screen, making the chemistry between him and King palpable. Joel Courtney adds a layer of warmth and humor as Lee, the best friend caught in the middle of the unfolding drama.
The chemistry between the leads is one of the film’s strongest points, making the romance feel genuine despite the predictability of the plot. The supporting cast also adds depth to the story, with standout performances that contribute to the film’s light-hearted tone.
Themes and Audience Appeal
“The Kissing Booth” may not break new ground in terms of its narrative, but it offers a delightful escape for those looking for a feel-good romantic comedy. The film explores themes of first love, friendship, and the struggles of growing up, making it particularly appealing to a teenage audience. The story’s simplicity is part of its charm, allowing viewers to get lost in the fun and drama of high school life.
For viewers who enjoy the classic tropes of teen romance, such as secret crushes, love triangles, and the challenges of navigating relationships, “The Kissing Booth” delivers on all fronts. The movie’s light-hearted humor, combined with moments of genuine emotion, ensures it remains engaging throughout its runtime.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch “The Kissing Booth” Online
If you’re eager to watch “The Kissing Booth” or rewatch it, there are several streaming options available, particularly for viewers in the United States.
Netflix
“The Kissing Booth” is a Netflix Original film, which means it is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. With a subscription, viewers can easily access the film, along with its two sequels, “The Kissing Booth 2” (2020) and “The Kissing Booth 3” (2021). Netflix offers various subscription plans, starting from a basic plan at $9.99 per month, which allows for streaming in standard definition, to a premium plan at $19.99 per month, which includes ultra-high-definition streaming and allows for simultaneous viewing on multiple devices.
Amazon Prime Video (Rental/Purchase)
For those who prefer to rent or purchase the movie rather than subscribing to Netflix, “The Kissing Booth” is also available on Amazon Prime Video. The rental price typically ranges from $2.99 to $4.99, depending on the video quality (SD or HD), while purchasing the movie usually costs around $9.99 to $14.99.
Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV offers another platform where viewers can rent or buy “The Kissing Booth.” Similar to Amazon, rental prices generally range from $2.99 to $4.99, and purchasing the film may cost between $9.99 and $14.99. This service allows you to watch the movie on various devices, including Android smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Apple iTunes
Apple users can find “The Kissing Booth” available for rent or purchase on iTunes. Prices are comparable to other services, with rentals typically costing $3.99 for HD quality and purchases around $14.99. The movie can be streamed on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs, or through the Apple TV app on other devices.
Vudu
Vudu offers “The Kissing Booth” for both rental and purchase. The platform provides the film in various formats, including SD, HD, and UHD, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchase options around $14.99. Vudu is accessible on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming sticks.
YouTube Movies
YouTube also provides a rental and purchase option for “The Kissing Booth.” With a similar pricing structure to the other platforms, viewers can rent the movie starting at $3.99 or purchase it for about $14.99. YouTube Movies is available on virtually any device with internet access, making it a convenient option for viewers.
Final Thoughts
“The Kissing Booth” is a fun, light-hearted film that captures the essence of teenage romance with all its excitement and challenges. While it may not be a groundbreaking piece of cinema, it succeeds in entertaining its target audience with engaging performances and a relatable storyline.
For those looking to watch the movie, Netflix remains the go-to platform, but other rental and purchase options are widely available for those who prefer alternative streaming services. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or simply in the mood for a nostalgic trip back to high school, “The Kissing Booth” offers a charming and enjoyable experience.
As the movie continues to find new audiences through various streaming platforms, it’s clear that “The Kissing Booth” has solidified its place as a beloved teen rom-com in the hearts of viewers worldwide.
