Good Will Hunting

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Good Will Hunting

R

Released Jan 9, 1998

2h 6m

Drama

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Tomatometer

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

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

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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

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

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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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Harrison D.

Legit the best movie my sad eyes have had the pleasure of meeting

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/29/25

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Dominique G

This movie is pure gold... Outstanding writing and acting, don't make movies like this anymore.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/25

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Rami A

The screenplay and performances make this a special treat. In fact, the best parts are Damon and Affleck's screenplay and Robin Williams' performance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/25

Full Review

Ty P.

This movie has always had a special place in my heart…RIP the goat. The scene and dialogue on the park bench is still the best to this day. What writing. What a script in general. 5/5 for me!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

Full Review

John M.

Good will hunting Plot 9.7 what a great movie and story to tell Characters 9.6phenomenal characters each with the amount of depth they all deserve Cast 9.7 Matt Damon once again Ben affleck Robert Williams just phenomenal jobs well done Pacing 9.6 movie did a great job at keeping it going and keeping me interested Cinematography 9.2 nothing great but nothing terrible Ending 9.8 leaves you happy but also wanting more as all endings should Overall 9.6 what a amazing movie and honestly as a critic one thing I do is say what would I have done to make this movie better and the thing is I just can’t come up with anything

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

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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