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Good Will Hunting

Play trailer Poster for Good Will Hunting R Released Jan 9, 1998 2h 6m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 91 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).
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Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting

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Critics Consensus

It follows a predictable narrative arc, but Good Will Hunting adds enough quirks to the journey -- and is loaded with enough powerful performances -- that it remains an entertaining, emotionally rich drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Bill Boisvert Chicago Reader The problem becomes more glaring when movies portray geniuses, characters who not only think constantly but think thoughts that are incomprehensible to the rest of us. Jun 16, 2022 Full Review Roxana Hadadi RogerEbert.com Good Will Hunting is lyrically directed, efficiently written, side-splittingly funny, quietly devastating. Jun 5, 2020 Full Review Mike Clark USA Today The headline story from this slice of honestly earned sentiment is Matt Damon, who delivers the year's No. 1 breakthrough performance directly atop his agreeable high-profile turn in John Grisham's The Rainmaker. Rated: 3.5/4 Jan 9, 2018 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a predominantly engrossing drama that benefits from its compelling narrative and superb performances... Rated: 4/4 Dec 9, 2023 Full Review Edward Porter Sunday Times (UK) Adding moments of erudition and salty wit to a feelgood tale proves to be a winning formula. Mar 13, 2023 Full Review Dan DiNicola The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY) A terrifically warm, tender and entertaining story... In significant ways, the "Rocky" of the '90s. Rated: A Jan 19, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gail Exceptional acting and poignant moments throughout Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/25 Full Review Audience Member Alright, boys, grab a cold one and settle in, ‘cause we’re talking about Good Will Hunting, a movie that’s got more heart than a Game 7 overtime. This one’s a beauty—solid writing, unreal performances, and just enough rough-and-tumble to keep a beer league bruiser like me interested. First off, Matt Damon absolutely snipes it as Will Hunting, a genius kid from South Boston who’d rather scrap in a parking lot than flex his brain in a university classroom. He’s got hands softer than a top-line playmaker but carries himself like a fourth-line grinder. The guy’s got the skills, but he’s stuck playing in the wrong league, you know? Robin Williams as Sean, the therapist, is the real MVP here. The man dangles between wisdom and warmth like a vet keeping a young rookie in check. That “It’s not your fault” scene? Buddy, if you didn’t feel something, you might have a heart colder than a backyard rink in January. It’s the kind of speech that would even get a puck-chucker like me to open up. The supporting cast? Top-notch. Ben Affleck’s got the chirps and the loyalty—every beer league team needs a guy like Chuckie. Minnie Driver’s Skylar is sweet, funny, and actually sees Will for the top-line talent he is. And let’s not forget Stellan Skarsgård’s professor, who’s basically that coach who sees potential but just can’t connect with the player. The movie’s got grit, it’s got smarts, and it’s got a soundtrack that feels like a slow skate after a hard-fought win. If there’s one knock against it, it’s that it drags a little in the middle—kinda like the second period of a late-night men’s league game when the legs start burning from too many intermission beers. Final verdict: Good Will Hunting is a classic. It’s about loyalty, second chances, and finding your true spot on the roster. 4.5/5—could’ve used a few more hockey references, but we’ll let it slide. --- Deer Hair Pads Reviews. Follow on Facebook & Instagram Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/23/25 Full Review Joseph D Good Will Hunting is my favorite movie of all time, and I give it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. The film’s powerful themes of self-discovery, love, and overcoming personal struggles make it stand out in a way that few movies can. Robin Williams’ performance as Dr. Sean Maguire is the highlight of the film. His emotional scene where he talks about love is something that stays with you long after watching. It’s raw and real, and it feels like he’s speaking directly to you. His honesty and warmth bring a depth to the movie that no one else could have done. What I love most about this movie is the way it deals with deep emotions, like fear of opening up and being vulnerable. Robin Williams perfectly captures that understanding, showing that love isn’t just about romance, but about trust and connection. The way he helps Will (Matt Damon) break through his walls and realize his potential is so moving. The film also has a perfect balance of humor and emotion, which makes it feel so real. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck both bring their characters to life in a way that makes you care about them, especially as they face their struggles. Good Will Hunting is a powerful film that speaks to anyone who has ever doubted their worth or struggled with their own future. It’s a timeless classic, and every time I watch it, it feels like it gets better Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/03/25 Full Review Matt C Wonderful film. The scenes between Robin Williams and Matt Damon are outstanding and the screenplay from Damon & Affleck is simple yet highly effective. A perfectly paced film with a delightful ending. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/01/25 Full Review Leprechaun K Well written and inspiring to some degree. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/25 Full Review matthew w A simply outstanding movie with acting to match by all the cast, the late great Robin Williams leads the show with what can only be described as a beautiful performance as Sean Maguire, who's in trusted to unlock the mind of a troubled genius. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/10/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - It's Not Your Fault Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - It's Not Your Fault 2:53 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - You Got Something None of Us Have Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - You Got Something None of Us Have 2:12 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Job Interview at the NSA Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Job Interview at the NSA 2:01 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Say You Don't Love Me Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Say You Don't Love Me 2:17 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Skyler's Joke Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Skyler's Joke 1:36 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - No Regrets Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - No Regrets 2:08 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Direction or Manipulation? Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Direction or Manipulation? 2:13 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Presumptions of a Scared Kid Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Presumptions of a Scared Kid 2:59 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - The Painting Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - The Painting 2:15 Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Remembering the Imperfections Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Remembering the Imperfections 2:05 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).
Director
Gus Van Sant
Producer
Lawrence Bender
Screenwriter
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
Distributor
Miramax Films
Production Co
Miramax Films, Be Gentlemen Limited Partnership, Lawrence Bender Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 9, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 14, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$138.3M
Runtime
2h 6m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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