The Green Mile

Play trailer

The Green Mile

R

Released Dec 10, 1999

3h 9m

Drama

Fantasy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

136 Reviews

94%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) walked the mile with a variety of cons. He had never encountered someone like John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a massive black man convicted of brutally killing a pair of young sisters. Coffey had the size and strength to kill anyone, but not the demeanor. Beyond his simple, naive nature and a deathly fear of the dark, Coffey seemed to possess a prodigious, supernatural gift. Paul began to question whether Coffey was truly guilty of murdering the two girls.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

Though The Green Mile is long, critics say it's an absorbing, emotionally powerful experience.

Read Critics Reviews

Kirk Honeycutt

The Hollywood Reporter

The simple fable can't stand such scrutiny. More pivotally, the weight given to each moment lends The Green Mile a ponderousness that works against the emotions the story seems to want to plug into.

Dec 10, 2019

Full Review

Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

Much of the three-hour movie takes place in the prison, but the resonant characterization, expansive plotting, and judicious use of exterior locations and flashbacks turn the walls into windows.

Apr 8, 2011

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Thoughtful, intelligent movie for older teens.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 28, 2010

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

There are several scenes of tremendous power. But the same problems that plagued The Shawshank Redemption are in full force here.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 27, 2022

Full Review

Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

Now, for the first time, Darabonts The Green Mile is available on 4K UHD with high-dynamic range, rejuvenating the drama, imbuing it with the visual energy to accompany its bittersweet narrative.

Rated: 4.5/5

Feb 24, 2022

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

At times, you notice The Green Mile tugging your heartstrings. But aside from a moment or two over the course of three hours, the viewer gives in, entrenched in the proceedings and deeply affected by the spell of these characters.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 23, 2022

Full Review

Read all reviews

Audience Member

It's a masterpiece and just watch it. Enough said.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/12/25

Full Review

Connor L

The Green Mile is a masterpiece, enough said.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/10/25

Full Review

Fantasia 2

A great movie , this should have some recognition among the best movies 1990s .

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/10/25

Full Review

judy b

One of best movies of all time. I read the book later. One of Stephen King’s best! The movie is riveting and entirely unusual. The ending will surprise you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

Full Review

Real O

Definitely one of the greatest. I don't know what the hell is wrong with some of these "top critics." 79% is ATROCIOUS!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/02/25

Full Review

Luke B

The Green Mile is a masterfully crafted film that delivers powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. Michael Clarke Duncan, Tom Hanks, and Sam Rockwell each bring depth to their roles, making the film an emotionally gripping experience. The story is both compelling and deeply moving, evoking a range of heartfelt emotions that make it difficult to watch at times. While the film is undoubtedly one of the greats, its emotional weight may make it a one-time viewing experience for some. At its core, The Green Mile explores themes of justice, mercy, and the presence of evil in the world, offering a profound and almost divine encounter through John Coffey’s tragic yet miraculous journey. It’s a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, a testament to its lasting impact as a cinematic work of art.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Frank Darabont

Director

Tom Hanks

Paul Edgecomb

David Morse

Brutus 'Brutal' Howell

Michael Clarke Duncan

John Coffey

Bonnie Hunt

Janice Edgecomb

James Cromwell

Warden Hal Moores

View more videos

Tideland

31%

64%

Tideland

Watchlist

Eyes Wide Shut

76%

74%

Eyes Wide Shut

Watchlist

Three Thousand Years of Longing

71%

73%

Three Thousand Years of Longing

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Three Thousand Years of Longing

Striptease

13%

24%

Striptease

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

New on Netflix in August

New on Netflix in October

Rank the 10 Best Stephen King Movie Adaptations

View more photos

Synopsis

Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) walked the mile with a variety of cons. He had never encountered someone like John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a massive black man convicted of brutally killing a pair of young sisters. Coffey had the size and strength to kill anyone, but not the demeanor. Beyond his simple, naive nature and a deathly fear of the dark, Coffey seemed to possess a prodigious, supernatural gift. Paul began to question whether Coffey was truly guilty of murdering the two girls.

Director: Frank Darabont
Producer: Frank Darabont, David Valdes
Screenwriter: Stephen King, Frank Darabont
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Castle Rock Entertainment, Darkwoods Productions, Warner Brothers
Rating: R (Sex-Related Material|Language|Violence)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 10, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $136.8M
Runtime: 3h 9m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now