The Squid and the Whale poster
Where to stream

The Squid and the Whale

7.020051h 21mRMovieComedyDrama

Based on the true childhood experiences of Noah Baumbach and his brother, The Squid and the Whale tells the touching story of two young boys dealing with their parents' divorce in Brooklyn in the 1980s.

DirectorNoah Baumbach
WriterNoah Baumbach
ProducersReverge Anselmo·Charlie Corwin

Where to watch

NetflixNetflixNetflix Standard with AdsNetflix Standard with AdsSony Pictures Core Amazon ChannelSony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Noah Baumbach

JDJeff Daniels
Jeff Daniels
Bernard Berkman
LLLaura Linney
Laura Linney
Joan Berkman
JEJesse Eisenberg
Jesse Eisenberg
Walt Berkman
OKOwen Kline
Owen Kline
Frank Berkman
WBWilliam Baldwin
William Baldwin
Ivan
HFHalley Feiffer
Halley Feiffer
Sophie Greenberg
APAnna Paquin
Anna Paquin
Lili
DB
David Benger
Carl
MB
Molly Barton
Graduate Student
BB
Bo Berkman
Graduate Student
MK
Matthew Kaplan
Graduate Student
SK
Simon Kaplan
Graduate Student

More from Jeff Daniels · Lead actor

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Hawaii Five-O
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1968 · 7.2
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Shrinking
Shrinking
2023 · 7.8
American Playhouse
American Playhouse
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The Martian
The Martian
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The Newsroom
The Newsroom
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Speed
1994 · 7.2
The Brink of War
The Brink of War
2026 · 7.2
See all fromJeff Daniels

More from Laura Linney · Co-star actress

Lanterns
Lanterns
2026 · 8.3
Law & Order
Law & Order
1990 · 7.3
American Dad!
American Dad!
2005 · 7.0
Frasier
Frasier
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King of the Hill
King of the Hill
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BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman
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American Experience
American Experience
1988 · 6.5
Ozark
Ozark
2017 · 8.2
American Playhouse
American Playhouse
1982 · 6.6
The Truman Show
The Truman Show
1998 · 8.2
See all fromLaura Linney

More from Noah Baumbach · Director

Jay Kelly
Jay Kelly
2025 · 6.1
Marriage Story
Marriage Story
2019 · 7.7
White Noise
White Noise
2022 · 5.6
Frances Ha
Frances Ha
2013 · 7.3
Mr. Jealousy
Mr. Jealousy
1998 · 5.9
Greenberg
Greenberg
2010 · 5.9
While We're Young
While We're Young
2015 · 6.0
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
2017 · 6.5
Mistress America
Mistress America
2015 · 6.5
Margot at the Wedding
Margot at the Wedding
2007 · 5.8
See all fromNoah Baumbach

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The Squid and the Whale — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Squid and the Whale?

The Squid and the Whale is streaming on Netflix, Netflix Standard and Sony Pictures Core in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

Is The Squid and the Whale on Netflix?

Yes — The Squid and the Whale is available on Netflix in United States as of September 2026.

Is The Squid and the Whale on Amazon Prime Video?

The Squid and the Whale isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch The Squid and the Whale for free?

The Squid and the Whale is available on Netflix and Netflix Standard in United States, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.

Is The Squid and the Whale based on a true story?

Yes — The Squid and the Whale is based on true events, dramatising real people and events (some details may be fictionalised for the screen).