Good Will Hunting

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Good Will Hunting

R

Released Jan 9, 1998

2h 6m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

97%

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91 Reviews

94%

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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

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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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Katharina L

Went to see a cult sneak yesterday and well, well, well - it was Good Will Hunting. Perhaps I had heard too much positive about this movie and it would never be able to live up to the expectations, or perhaps I‘m too young and don’t have the emotional connection to Robin Williams many seem to have. It’s a movie about a traumatised genius that lashes out constantly, wastes his talents and pines after a girl he brought to tears multiple times - yet, at its core, it’s mostly just talks between Matt Damon and Robin Williams. It’s not my type of movie *at all* so 2 1/2 stars is very much for me - because even I can’t deny that the cast is pretty good.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/07/24

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Grég C

Robin Williams is SUPERB...

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/06/24

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haha x

Amazing trauma movie to watch, Love these type of movies that can make me cry while watching. Wills acting was amazing and spot on. love seeing the progress he makes throughout the movie and how he's able to get out of that horrible push everyone away mindset

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/04/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Phenomenal acting really helps propel this movie. The character growth stands out as some of the best in cinema history but it makes sense and doesn't feel rushed or forced.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/02/24

Full Review

Isa B

Good Will Hunting is truly a one of a kind film. The uniqueness of the story really resonated with me. A beautiful motion picture with no villains. It was incredibly well-acted as well. Robin Williams really stood out and earned the Oscar he won for his brilliant part. The young Matt Damon was also absolutely unbelievable in his role. It's a perfect masterpiece that I highly recommend. 100/100

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

Full Review

Julian Rex M

Even if its story is too often predictable and uneven in its character focus, Good Will Hunting's fantastic writing and performances allow the picture to flourish in its own way.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/24/24

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

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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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