Sideways

Play trailer

2:24

Sideways

R

Released Oct 22, 2004

2h 6m

Comedy

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

231 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh), while her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen) connects with Miles. When Miles lets slip that Jack is getting married, both women are furious, sending the trip into disarray.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

Charming, thoughtful, and often funny, Sideways is a decidedly mature road trip comedy full of excellent performances.

Read Critics Reviews

Anupama Chopra

Film Companion

This is a film about human beings who can be flawed and prickly but if you go a little deeper, you will see beauty. This is a wonderfully written script, with a great performance by Paul Giamatti.

May 18, 2020

Full Review

Christy Lemire

Associated Press

Apr 3, 2012

Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Payne does know how to capture two kinds of male menopause. But I can't say he ever surprised me.

Feb 13, 2012

Full Review

Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Giamatti, although overlooked by the Academy, serves as the emotional anchor of the film, holding its narrative together with his compelling performance.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 22, 2024

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Alexander Payne’s road movie about best friends taking a bachelor party on the road through California vineyard country is a modern buddy film with a seventies sensibility.

Jan 6, 2024

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Payne is a compassionate observer here, letting the dialogue scenes breathe, unafraid to throw in some slapstick.

Rated: B

Sep 19, 2022

Full Review

Read all reviews

Bronwyn D

I watched this because my uncle recommended. Surprised I hadn't seen, being it's 20 years old. I really enjoyed it. I related fully to Miles. Jack, not so much. But I liked Trying to understand him. Movie was funny in a couple places, but I definitely consider it more drama. Good acting, characters, & story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/07/24

Full Review

Mason M

Another great film from Alexander Payne. Sideways is a delightful watch, it's very well written, it balances comedy and drama quite nicely, and Paul Giamatti does a great job.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/18/24

Full Review

Koi P

Like a chic flick, but with guys. Relaxing and fun watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/12/24

Full Review

joe s

Sideways is an enthralling, superbly written, and wonderfully produced movie, with an Oscar worthy performance from Paul Giamatti, and a great supporting cast, revolving around wine, along the northern California country, and a storyline that captivates you, definitely one of the best must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/24

Full Review

Godfrey D

Its a really good movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/11/24

Full Review

Munkhjargal A

This movie has become a very interesting movie that has attracted the attention of the audience. The angle the director was able to see is amazing. The roles of the actors in the film were very special. I liked this movie very much.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/10/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Alexander Payne

Director

Paul Giamatti

Miles Raymond

Thomas Haden Church

Jack Lopate

Virginia Madsen

Maya

Sandra Oh

Stephanie

Marylouise Burke

Miles' Mother

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Cousin Bette

41%

45%

Cousin Bette

Watchlist

Faithful

7%

49%

Faithful

Watchlist

Alfie

48%

51%

Alfie

Watchlist

Junebug

86%

73%

Junebug

Watchlist

The Matador

75%

66%

The Matador

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Know Your Critic: Leonard Maltin, Film Critic and Historian

2019 Holiday TV Calendar: A Guide to Every Special, Episode, Marathon, and Movie of the Season

2018 Holiday TV Calendar: A Guide to Every Special, Episode, Marathon and Movie of the Season

Sideways: Trailer 1

2:24

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh), while her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen) connects with Miles. When Miles lets slip that Jack is getting married, both women are furious, sending the trip into disarray.

Director: Alexander Payne
Producer: Michael London, George Parra
Screenwriter: Rex Pickett, Alexander Payne
Distributor: Fox
Production Co: Fox Searchlight, Michael London Productions
Rating: R (Nudity|Language|Some Strong Sexual Content)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 22, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $71.5M
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

Most Popular at Home Now