Rotten Tomatoes

Movies / TV

    Celebrity

      No Results Found

       View All       Movies Tv shows Shop News Showtimes

      Before Sunset

      R Released Feb 10, 2004 1h 20m Romance Drama List
      94% 180 Reviews Tomatometer 92% 50,000+ Ratings Audience Score A sequel to "Before Sunrise," this film starts nine years later as Jesse (Ethan Hawke) travels across Europe giving readings from a book he wrote about the night he spent in Vienna with Celine (Julie Delpy). After his reading in Paris, Celine finds him, and they spend part of the day together before Jesse has to again leave for a flight. They are both in relationships now, and Jesse has a son, but as their strong feelings for each other start to return, both confess a longing for more. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Mar 12 Buy Now

      Where to Watch

      Before Sunset

      Fandango at Home Prime Video

      Rent Before Sunset on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

      Before Sunset

      What to Know

      Critics Consensus

      Filled with engaging dialogue, Before Sunset is a witty, poignant romance, with natural chemistry between Hawke and Delpy.

      Read Critics Reviews

      Audience Reviews

      View All (1000+) audience reviews
      Julien T We all watched this because we loved "Before sunrise". We all were rooting for Jessie and Céline to finally get together. We were all watching it with the fear of a let down seeing how amazing its prequel was. We all left feeling satisfied and then some because Linklater and its talented cast didn't fall in all the usual gooey entrapments the film could have easily fallen into in Paris, the city of Love. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/11/24 Full Review Chris H Very good follow up to the first film in this series. Not quite as good as that one- Before Sunrise; but infinitely better than the truly rotten Before Midnight. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/09/24 Full Review Robert R The ideal watch for people-watching romantics. Gotta love a film from the franchise that birthed the walk-and-talk subgenre. Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy -- both on set and on the page -- pull off a feeling of naturalism you don't often get from other films of the romantic persuasion. In fact, calling this a "romantic comedy" feels so disingenuous to what it's trying to do. This is a film that's looking to turn its audience into flies on the proverbial wall, taking two characters with two different sets of needs, worldviews and experiences and showing us how these two interact, how they feel about how they used to interact and what they both really want in life. You'd think some of this would get tired and stale, but it really doesn't. The pacing is surprisingly breezy and the subject matter is all very palatable. Feel like such a dope for being this late to the game, but this really is good stuff. No hot takes here. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/17/24 Full Review Jeff M After watching this movie, I now come a bit closer to understanding why the BEFORE trilogy is so beloved by so many. I enjoyed the first film very much, but I didn't quite LOVE it as much as I expected. This sequel is a step in the right direction. I found the characters, nine years later, much more interesting and their infinite conversations much more profound because of the lives they've experienced since the original. I have to admit there were times I felt a bit impatient with the constant banter. I never became enthralled with their discussions in quite the same way I did with something like MY DINNER WITH ANDRE. But all is forgiven when you're provided with one of the great romantic movie endings of all time. With just a hint of ambiguity but an obvious optimism, it is perfection. And, of course, nothing would work if Hawke and Delpy weren't such skilled actors with such wonderful chemistry. I am now looking forward to BEFORE MIDNIGHT more than I was before. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/18/24 Full Review Dan K The entire movie is just them walking and chatting. If you enjoy that, sit in a coffee shop and eavesdrop on the couple next to you. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 11/13/23 Full Review matthias s "Before Sunset," a soulful sequel, maintains the realistic and heartfelt style of its predecessor. The dialogue sparks with genuine emotions as Jesse and Celine reunite in Paris. Their chemistry remains believable, enveloping us in their connection. With bittersweet romance and philosophical ponderings, this authentic portrayal captivates, leaving us fulfilled and longing for more. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

      Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew

      More Like This

      View All Best Movies to Stream at Home
      42% 44% XX/XY 98% 82% Before Midnight 18% 81% Now & Forever 65% 54% We Don't Live Here Anymore 65% 69% 5x2 Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

      Movie News & Guides

      View All Movie News & Guides

      This movie is featured in the following articles.

      Kumail Nanjiani’s Five Favorite Films Lethal Weapon, Carrie, Dazed and Confused, and More Certified Fresh Movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime Ethan Hawke’s 10 Best Movies

      Photos

      View All Before Sunset photos

      Before Sunset

      View more photos

      Critics Reviews

      View All (180) Critics Reviews
      Christy Lemire Associated Press It's a lovely, beguiling little film a rare treat during this overheated season of blockbusters. It's also an unusual example of a follow-up that doesn't seem forced, but expands effortlessly on the original. Aug 8, 2012 Full Review Joe Morgenstern Wall Street Journal The reunion has some lively moments, but a great deal of slow walking and fatuous talking about love, married life and sex. Aug 8, 2012 Full Review Scott Tobias AV Club Shooting in long takes, Linklater and his actors (who get co-screenwriting credit) allow the conversation to curlicue effortlessly from literate banter to matters of the heart, and sometimes to places in between. Aug 8, 2012 Full Review Dave Giannini InSession Film There are any number of times where they could leave each other’s sights (again), but this time for good. But they don’t, and the audience is treated to love at first sight a second time. Feb 20, 2024 Full Review James Croot Stuff.co.nz This would all be dreary and forgettable fluff, were it not for the charm and chemistry of the leads. Rated: 4.5/5 Nov 29, 2023 Full Review Tina Kakadelis Beyond the Cinerama Dome Before Sunset is the kind of movie that takes every pre-conceived notion of filmmaking and throws it out the window. It is a celebration of being alive and how lovely and frightening love is. Jul 25, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis A sequel to "Before Sunrise," this film starts nine years later as Jesse (Ethan Hawke) travels across Europe giving readings from a book he wrote about the night he spent in Vienna with Celine (Julie Delpy). After his reading in Paris, Celine finds him, and they spend part of the day together before Jesse has to again leave for a flight. They are both in relationships now, and Jesse has a son, but as their strong feelings for each other start to return, both confess a longing for more.
      Director
      Richard Linklater
      Screenwriter
      Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan
      Distributor
      Warner Independent
      Production Co
      Warner Independent Pictures
      Rating
      R (Sexual References|Language)
      Genre
      Romance, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Feb 10, 2004, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Oct 3, 2008
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $5.8M
      Runtime
      1h 20m
      Sound Mix
      Surround, Dolby SRD
      Aspect Ratio
      Flat (1.85:1)
      Most Popular at Home Now