The Aviator

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3:03

The Aviator

PG-13

2004

2h 46m

Biography

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

227 Reviews

79%

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100,000+ Ratings

Billionaire and aviation tycoon Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a successful public figure: a director of big-budget Hollywood films such as "Hell's Angels," a passionate lover of Hollywood leading ladies Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale), and an aviation pioneer who helps build TWA into a major airline. But in private, Hughes remains tormented, suffering from paralyzing phobias and depression. The higher he rises, the farther has to fall.

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Critics Consensus

With a rich sense of period detail, The Aviator succeeds thanks to typically assured direction from Martin Scorsese and a strong performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, who charts Howard Hughes' descent from eccentric billionaire to reclusive madman.

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Namrata Joshi

Outlook

The Aviator does make for a rather fascinating and compelling stand-alone story about an industrious, fastidious, obsessive man...

Rated: 2/4

Jan 8, 2019

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Good but not great, and not for younger kids.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 28, 2010

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Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

This handsome movie is an oddly well-behaved one to come from the preternaturally energetic Scorsese.

Feb 3, 2010

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Dave Giannini

InSession Film

Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett respectively light up the screen when they are together.

Feb 20, 2024

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KT Mahe

For Your Reference Podcast

The Aviator is an adequate biopic lead by capable performers but the exhilaration sped to puberty level sensuality and hollow thrills.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 15, 2024

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Oti

For Your Reference Podcast

The Aviator starts strong but feels lengthy, with some accents bordering on comedic. Hughes's struggles could be better portrayed, yet it remains a worthy watch.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 15, 2024

Full Review

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Aidan F.

very good DiCaprio movie. Great performances and depictions of the real life Howard Hughes and the 1930’s/40’s era. great effects and storytelling. The last act of the movie was my favorite part. Overall very enjoyable watch. A little long for my liking but it is a Scorsese film anyway.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

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Tyler S

I mean, it was fine. I was honestly hoping I'd really like this, but I was just like, "meh." This was the movie that made me realize Leonardo DiCaprio is slightly overrated (hot take idk). I was really excited for where we were going in the first bit of the movie. Then I was less interested after like an hour. Still thought it was solid, just nothing great.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/28/25

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Stephen C

Success in 2 hours and 46 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG-13 for Language, Crash Sequence, Nudity, Sexual Content and Thematic Elements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $102,600,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/25

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Larry K

Was not expecting that. Leo is the GOAT

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/07/25

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Faiz D

One of the most amazing films I've watched. Leonardo gave a 'Powerhouse' performance!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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R Carl L

The movie tells an amazing story of an amazing man. There is just so much story, of all his exploits in film and aviation. The shots of the Hells Angels movie and other aerial footage are simply stunning. But, maybe they should have focused on just one part of his life. It would make a hell of a miniseries!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/30/25

Full Review

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Martin Scorsese

Director

Leonardo DiCaprio

Howard Hughes

Cate Blanchett

Katharine Hepburn

Kate Beckinsale

Ava Gardner

John C. Reilly

Noah Dietrich

Alec Baldwin

Juan Trippe

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The Aviator: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Billionaire and aviation tycoon Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a successful public figure: a director of big-budget Hollywood films such as "Hell's Angels," a passionate lover of Hollywood leading ladies Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale), and an aviation pioneer who helps build TWA into a major airline. But in private, Hughes remains tormented, suffering from paralyzing phobias and depression. The higher he rises, the farther has to fall.

Director: Martin Scorsese
Producer: Michael Mann, Chris Brigham, Sandy Climan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Charles Evans Jr., Graham King
Screenwriter: John Logan
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Initial Entertainment Group, Warner Brothers, Appian Way, Miramax Films, Forward Pass, Cappa Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Crash Sequence|Nudity|Sexual Content|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $102.6M
Runtime: 2h 46m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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