Pay It Forward
When someone does you a big favor, don't pay it back...
2000 • 122 min • Drama
Synopsis
Like some other kids, 12-year-old Trevor McKinney believed in the goodness of human nature. Like many other kids, he was determined to change the world for the better. Unlike most other kids, he succeeded.
Our family guide
Best from age 13- 74 Audience · 2072 · 100%
A young boy's school assignment sparks a movement to "pay it forward," where one good deed inspires three more. His idealism spreads, but not without confronting life's harsh realities and the complexities of human connections. It explores how kindness can ripple through a community.
- Violence & peril
- 6/10
- Language
- 5/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 4/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 3/10
- Scary moments
- 4/10
Heads up
- Discussions of child abuse and domestic violence
- Some characters struggle with addiction
- A character has severe burn injuries
- Contains some mature themes and peril
What it models well
- The power of kindness and generosity
- Making a difference in the world
- Empathy and understanding
- Second chances and personal growth
Talk about it after
- How one person's idea can inspire many
- Dealing with difficult family situations
- The challenges of trusting others
- What "paying it forward" means in daily life
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Pay It Forward. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
Stream
- Howdy Amazon Channel
Howdy Amazon ChannelRent
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeBuy
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.
Top billed cast
Director: Mimi Leder • Crew: Leslie Dixon
Trailers & clips
Pay It Forward Trailer
Reviewer notes
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 7.4/10 (2,072)
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $40,000,000
- Box office
- $55,707,411
- IMDb
- tt0223897
