Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Better Nate Than Ever

film

Better Nate Than Ever

2022

13-year-old Nate Foster has big Broadway dreams but there’s only one problem — he can’t even land a part in the school play. When his parents leave town, Nate and his best friend Libby sneak off to the Big Apple for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove everyone wrong. A chance encounter with Nate’s long-lost Aunt Heidi turns his journey upside-down, and together they must learn that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Generally gentle family entertainment, but younger children may need help with bullying, a child traveling away without permission, family conflict, rejection, and LGBTQIA coming-of-age themes. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters3/5
  • Romance2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of Broadway and Disney properties are natural to the plot; no aggressive product placement.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language, primarily limited to occasional school-based name-calling.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist is a gay teen, and his identity is central to his journey of self-acceptance, though there is no explicit romantic content.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a minor, age-appropriate crush where a friend confesses feelings and is gently rejected.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Children travel secretly and briefly lack adult supervision, with some worry and tension around auditions and a fire-exit escape, but nothing is genuinely frightening.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

No physical violence is present in the film.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Nate consistently displays courage by pursuing his dream despite constant fear and societal pressure.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Celebrates musical theater, artistic expression, and the power of imagination.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast and addresses the experience of a gay protagonist in a realistic, coming-of-age context.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the audition process and the hard work required for professional performing arts.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and friendship are strong pillars of the story, especially between Nate, Libby, and his aunt.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Promotes themes of self-belief, perseverance, family reconciliation, and the importance of being true to oneself.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Nate is a determined, passionate character; his family eventually learns to support him, providing a positive example of growth.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in Better Nate Than Ever would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Better Nate Than Ever, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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