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Gregory K

Gregory K

Everyone is guaranteed the pursuit of happiness... Even a child.

TV movie199389 minPGMidcredits score: 58th percentile of all films
Director
Linda Otto
Starring
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bill Smitrovich, Kathleen York, Robert Joy

After years of abuse by their father, Gregory and his two brothers are placed with their mother. After his mother can't take care of him and his brothers, Gregory is placed at a boys ranch. A lawyer visiting the ranch meets Gregory, and he and his wife decide to adopt him. However, he cannot be adopted until his biological parents lose custody. Based on the true story of the boy who divorced his parents.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Gregory K?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Gregory K streaming on Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Gregory K?

Gregory K earns 2 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Nonlinear.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Gregory K worth watching?

Gregory K's Midcredits score is the 58th percentile of all films, from 297 ratings across 3 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

58th percentile

Better received than 58% of films

58th percentile among Drama61st percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)60th
Approval (how many liked it)55th

64 /100

60th percentile of all films

61st percentile among Drama64th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

52% liked it

55th percentile of all films

54th percentile among Drama58th percentile among 1990s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

19th percentile

297 ratings across platforms

18th percentile among Drama10th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 30% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film centers on a child's painful legal fight to sever ties with his biological parents due to abuse and neglect.

Fans praised

  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt's emotive performance makes Gregory's struggle vivid and authentic
  • raises crucial questions about the child welfare system's failure to prioritize children's well-being
  • depicts a landmark legal case with genuine emotional tension and stakes

Detractors panned

  • lead character comes across as cold, selfish, and lacking sympathy for his mother and siblings
  • plot relies on making biological parents cartoonishly evil
  • heavy-handed storytelling with repetitive mentions of adoption

What stands out

Acting72

Gordon-Levitt praised by fans as emotive; detractors find him cold and bratty

Emotional impactDivisive65

moving to fans for highlighting children's rights; detractors unmoved by cold protagonist

Ending60

leaves viewer wondering about fate of Gregory's brothers

Plot and storyDivisive55

true story of child 'divorce' case; detractors find it heavy-handed

CharactersDivisive50

Gregory seen as sympathetic by fans, selfish by detractors; mother written as weak-willed but pitiful

Dialogue45

some find Gregory's repeated mention of adoption annoying

Watch experience

What is Gregory K like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
TenseMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Warm
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film treats its difficult subject matter with gravity and tenderness, never undercutting its emotional stakes.
The rideThe mood is tense during the legal battle, melancholic in moments of loss, and hopeful as Gregory's adoption comes into view; the emotional weight peaks during courtroom confrontations.
StructureThe story uses flashbacks to show Gregory's past abuse and neglect.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer inspired by a child's courage while prompting reflection on the flaws in child welfare systems.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA boy seeks to legally terminate his biological parents' rights to be adopted by a loving family, a story of liberation from a neglectful past.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsFreedom · 5% of filmsJustice · 13% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores what it means to be a family, the painful breakdown of biological ties, and a child's legal fight for the right to choose a loving home.
StanceThe film affirms the importance of loving family bonds and frames Gregory's fight for a new family as courageous and right.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · James McVay
Settinga boys' ranch and the homes of biological and foster families
MusicThe score underscores the emotional beats of Gregory's legal and personal journey without overwhelming the dialogue.

Content guide

Is Gregory K okay for kids?

PG

Gregory K is rated PG.

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does Gregory K have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Gregory K?

Cast

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
as Gregory Kingsley
Bill Smitrovich
as George Russ
Kathleen York
as Rachel Kingsley
Robert Joy
as Ralph Kingsley
Kristin Griffith
as Elizabeth Russ
Geoffrey Bowes
as Jordan McLean
Joyce Reehling
as Jerri Blair
Janet Bailey
as Jane Carey
Brett Halsey
as Judge Thomas S Kirk
Elizabeth Berman
as Francesca

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Gregory K?

Movies like Gregory K include The Judge (2014), Dark Waters (2019) and Hillbilly Elegy (2020). Of the 6 closest matches, half are stories about lawyers, and half are courtroom dramas.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

3 of these 6 share its character type: estranged parent and child. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Gregory K?

778 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: courtroom drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.