Good Will Hunting

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Good Will Hunting

R

Released Jan 9, 1998

2h 6m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

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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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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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

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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

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a predominantly engrossing drama that benefits from its compelling narrative and superb performances...

Rated: 4/4

Dec 9, 2023

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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

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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

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Gail

Exceptional acting and poignant moments throughout

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/25

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A A

Wow! Just wow! This movie got me thinking, made me laugh, made me cry. It had great actors, especially loved Robin Williams. Definitely will watch again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/25

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Nigel G

Great film, but I’m not sure it could be made now, given way societal values have changed since 1998. A Cinderella story, only a quirky therapist instead of a ballroom slipper, a working class therapist rather than a prince. Great acting, great characters. A feel good film, with the likelihood of the plot working out mathematically small, particularly in the USA.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/25

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Russ G

If you like to listen to preposterous BAH-Stin! accents for two hours of a ludicrous plot line, this is your movie. It's Wicked Pissah!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/13/25

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Victoria O

I love this film. It is such a classic. As someone who has experienced trauma they explore this topic and how it alters people’s behaviours and relationships towards others. It’s a beautiful tale of Sean and Will both who are struggling to make connections and struggling with expressing emotions. Sean because of his wives recent passing and Will because he feels he is undeserving. Honestly this was well written. I enjoy Skylars character as she portrays an outsider who wants to someday understand Will. She is willing to try and help him see that he is deserving of love. And I enjoy the end of the film when Will finally has the courage to give the ultimate FU to his past abusers and seek what he wants for himself because he can. It’s the ultimate self healing film and whenever I get bad when thinking of my own traumas this film helps me reminds me that we are all deserving of love and to try with our relationships because we owe it to ourselves to try.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/03/25

Full Review

Matthew T

Writing, acting, everything.... It's what gives USA the reputation it has for film making.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/27/25

Full Review

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Gus Van Sant

Director

Matt Damon

Will Hunting

Robin Williams

Sean Maguire

Ben Affleck

Chuckie Sullivan

Minnie Driver

Skylar

Stellan Skarsgård

Gerald Lambeau

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - It's Not Your Fault

2:53

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - You Got Something None of Us Have

2:12

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Job Interview at the NSA

2:01

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Say You Don't Love Me

2:17

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Skyler's Joke

1:36

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - No Regrets

2:08

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Direction or Manipulation?

2:13

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Presumptions of a Scared Kid

2:59

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - The Painting

2:15

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Remembering the Imperfections

2:05

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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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