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The Theory of Everything

Play trailer 2:42 Poster for The Theory of Everything PG-13 2014 2h 5m Biography Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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81% Tomatometer 268 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
In the 1960s, Cambridge University student and future physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) falls in love with fellow collegian Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). At 21, Hawking learns that he has motor neuron disease. Despite this -- and with Jane at his side -- he begins an ambitious study of time, of which he has very little left, according to his doctor. He and Jane defy terrible odds and break new ground in the fields of medicine and science, achieving more than either could hope to imagine.
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The Theory of Everything

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Critics Consensus

Part biopic, part love story, The Theory of Everything rises on James Marsh's polished direction and the strength of its two leads.

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Critics Reviews

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Jason Bailey Flavorwire Jun 7, 2016
It's all slavishly conformed into a woefully predictable formula, as inflexible as the Meet Cute Rom-Com or the Superhero Epic, every scene less about capturing a moment from a life than about completing a checklist. Go to Full Review
Bilge Ebiri Nashville Scene Dec 7, 2015
The Theory of Everything may not tear a rip in the cinematic space-time continuum, but as an intimate drama about two people struggling with a life they never expected, it has real power. Go to Full Review
Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald Jan 28, 2015
4.5/5
Watching him [Eddie Redmayne] slumped in an electric wheelchair, simulating the effects of Hawking's motor neurone disease, it's easy to forget you're looking at an actor. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 6, 2025
3/4
Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones are perfect as Stephen and Jane, providing the humor, strength, and emotion required in any marriage. Go to Full Review
Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson Sep 4, 2023
3/5
While very well-intentioned to focus on the man over the persona, it feels skewed and short on glitz representative of someone larger-than-life such as Stephen Hawking. Go to Full Review
Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Aug 25, 2022
3.5/5
There is still a good story to be found in “The Theory of Everything” despite its standard biopic flavor and rushed ending. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad 8 hrs ago This movie is a 4 star Movie See more Lorenz L @Lorenz1060 3 days ago Shortly after the promising start of the film, I paused to look at Wikipedia to see what f Hawking thought about it; it seems he was quite moved. But looking at his bio, I started clicking on web pages relative to quantum physics, The Big Bang, The Big Crunch, and … well, I spent about three hours reading and learning before returning to the film. And it’s a good thing I did, because you won’t hear much of any of this except in extremely watered-down soundbites spoken by other characters or the machinery which spoke for Hawkins after he lost the ability to speak. Theses isolated blobs of science are by far the best and most interesting aspects of the film. The vast majority of it consists of Hawkins' private life with his increasingly beleaguered wife, awards, children being entertained, parents being rude, and a nurse who supersedes wife #1 who, briefly, becomes #2. It quickly settles in soap opera territory with all the nasty bits (lovers, divorces, remarriages, tantrums) omitted. See more Henry D @Henry_Domke Aug 31, 2026 This movie worked well in all ways: beautiful, inspiring and thought-provoking. On one level, it deals with Stephen Hawking and how he and those around him cope with ALS. But just as rich is the story of his relationship and marriage with Jane. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones are both excellent. This was our third viewing, so the story was familiar, but that didn't detract much from our enjoyment. Parts are sentimental, but the sentiment seemed appropriate rather than excessive. See more Peninnah Z @RT68923912 Jul 6, 2026 The Theory of Everything is a beautifully made biographical film that tells the remarkable story of physicist Stephen Hawking and his extraordinary journey through life. What impressed me most was how the movie focused not only on his groundbreaking scientific achievements but also on his resilience, determination, and ability to keep pursuing his passion despite facing enormous physical challenges. The performances were outstanding, especially Eddie Redmayne, who brought depth and authenticity to the role. The film also explores themes of love, family, hope, and the power of perseverance in difficult circumstances. It is emotional, inspiring, and thought-provoking, reminding viewers that true strength comes from refusing to give up on your dreams. Overall, The Theory of Everything is an excellent film that combines education, inspiration, and heartfelt storytelling, making it a memorable and worthwhile watch. See more Faith O @faithopar Jun 15, 2026 The Theory of Everything is a movie that i got to love because it doesn't only focus on scientific success but also human endurance. It shows the importance of support during difficult times. It left me thinking about how resilience and love can coexist even the hardest situations. See more Jerod S @jeroduptown Apr 17, 2026 Redmayne is a brilliant Hawking in this movie that's more about his love life than his intelligence. See more Read all reviews
The Theory of Everything

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The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - Look What We Made The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - Look What We Made 2:42 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - I Have Loved You The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - I Have Loved You 2:51 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - While There is Life, There is Hope The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - While There is Life, There is Hope 2:59 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - No Boundaries, No Beginning and No God The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - No Boundaries, No Beginning and No God 2:54 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - Welcome to the Future The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - Welcome to the Future 1:25 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - The Spelling Board The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - The Spelling Board 2:43 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - Stephen Must Live The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - Stephen Must Live 1:24 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - An Extraordinary Theory The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - An Extraordinary Theory 2:10 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - It's Called Motor Neurone Disease The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - It's Called Motor Neurone Disease 2:41 Now Playing The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - The Black Hole Thesis The Theory of Everything: Official Clip - The Black Hole Thesis 2:37 Now Playing View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis In the 1960s, Cambridge University student and future physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) falls in love with fellow collegian Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). At 21, Hawking learns that he has motor neuron disease. Despite this -- and with Jane at his side -- he begins an ambitious study of time, of which he has very little left, according to his doctor. He and Jane defy terrible odds and break new ground in the fields of medicine and science, achieving more than either could hope to imagine.
Director
James Marsh
Producer
Anthony McCarten, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce
Distributor
Focus Features
Production Co
Working Title Films
Rating
PG-13 (Suggestive Material|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre
Biography, Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 7, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 9, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$35.9M
Runtime
2h 5m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
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