The Grapes of Wrath

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The Grapes of Wrath

Released Mar 15, 1940

2h 9m

Drama

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49 Reviews

88%

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10,000+ Ratings

The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.

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Critics Consensus

A potent drama that is as socially important today as when it was made, The Grapes of Wrath is affecting, moving, and deservedly considered an American classic.

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Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

Movies will probably go on improving and broadening themselves; but in any event, The Grapes of Wrath is the most mature picture story that has ever been made, in feeling, in purpose, and in the use of the medium.

Aug 29, 2012

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Classic John Steinbeck adaptation is still powerful.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 28, 2010

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Chuck Bowen

Slant Magazine

The Grapes of Wrath is flawed, but it captures that shiver of panic that grips anyone for whom the money for the next meal is unknown.

Rated: 4/4

Nov 22, 2010

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Adrian Turner

Radio Times

In this magnificent adaptation of John Steinbeck's Depression-era novel, Henry Fonda plays the farmer who leads his family from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promised land of California.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 22, 2024

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Dilys Powell

Sunday Times (UK)

The Grapes of Wrath is not just a film, not just a tragedy, not just a social indictment even; it is an experience; it is history unfolding like a terrible fungus; it is America.

Aug 9, 2022

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Gil Perez

Cine-Mundial

Everyone who can will surely see this, as it will be the most talked about spectacle of the season, everywhere. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 8, 2022

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Mike W

It is an awesome movie every part being as relevant today as it was 85 years ago. Hard to watch given the brutal reality faced by Sooners of the past. I have watched parts of it over the years but sat down from beginning to end tonight, and am better for it. John Carridine was excellent. He often does not get enough credit. I highly recommend it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/23/25

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Stephen C

Success in 2 hours and 9 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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William B

Very good movie. Recommended for anyone going through a hard time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/25

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Ron W

Other than the characteristic "overacting" so common in early films, this movie is basically perfect. The story rings as true today as when it was written. Beautiful story of human struggle.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/25

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Andrew O

This is one of the greatest American movies ever made. When I was younger Tom Joad was an inspiration, but as an adult the Ma character really is captivating. Watching her go from burning her last belongs to being the glue that holds the family together is an amazing transition. Her fear and loss are replaced by strength. The book has little hope, but the movie adaptation has more hope than most movies you will ever see. Ma tells a story about how men and women face adversity differently, but how "the people" are the ones who make this nation and the dreams of all a reality.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/05/24

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David S

Yes -John Ford delivers a tremendous portrait here of the great depression. Mesmerizing in many ways - stirs up real emotions.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

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John Ford

Director

Henry Fonda

Tom Joad

Jane Darwell

Ma Joad

John Carradine

Casy

Charley Grapewin

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Dorris Bowdon

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The Grapes of Wrath: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.

Director: John Ford
Producer: Darryl F Zanuck
Screenwriter: Nunnally Johnson
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 1940, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Runtime: 2h 9m

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