What Dreams May Come

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What Dreams May Come

PG-13

1998

1h 53m

Fantasy

Romance

Drama

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Popcornmeter

51%

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67 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

After Chris Nielsen (Robin Williams) dies in a car accident, he is guided through the afterlife by his spirit guide, Albert (Cuba Gooding Jr.). His new world is beautiful and can be whatever Chris imagines. Even his children are there. But, when his wife, Annie (Annabella Sciorra), commits suicide and is sent to hell, Chris ignores Albert's warnings and journeys there to save her. Upon arrival, Chris finds that rescuing Annie will be more difficult than he'd imagined.

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Critics Consensus

An insubstantial plot overshadows the beautiful, surreal scenery.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Worthwhile for thoughtful teens.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 29, 2010

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

`What Dreams May Come' is so breathtaking, so beautiful, so bold in its imagination!

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Paul Tatara

CNN.com

A visual blast.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

“Dreams” tries too hard to be a serious allegory of the afterlife and falls on its face in the absence of an appropriate or intriguing plot. The visuals, while stunning, take over the film too easily.

Rated: 1.5/4

Nov 26, 2022

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

It's a sullen and woefully boring religious sermon...

May 12, 2013

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Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Aside from having one of the worst titles in recent film memory, "What Dreams May Come" fails by trying to be all things to all people.

Rated: D

May 20, 2009

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Leaburn O

Watched years ago but I remember it being a really beautiful storyline and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Watched on Sky Cinema.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/12/25

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Lucas T.

One of the most beautiful movies both visually and emotionally.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/03/25

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Eric S

You need a good cry and also want to be blown away by stunning visuals? Watch this movie. It's 2025 as of this review and this film is more potent than ever. God I miss Robin Williams.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/02/25

Full Review

Jen N

The film lurches toward greatness, dazzling the viewer with a spectacular view of heaven that is not only beautiful but also profoundly moving.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/17/25

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Chris H

THIS IS ONE OF THE SADDEST MOVIES EVER!!!! BUT...it is also one of Robin Williams best performances. I truly hope this is what the afterlife is like.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/17/25

Full Review

Sunny D

"It's not about not understanding. It's about not giving up." I think this movie is fairly underrated. That saying, if you're a big Robin Williams fan, don't go into this movie expecting a comedic performance, but an emotional and hearfelt one instead. As many will say the visuals and cinematic aspects of this film are exremely lush and spectacular, and I love that about it. It deals with some heavy themes of deep love, loss, grief, and redemption, and it explores some intersting concepts regarding the Afterlife. The plot is not particularly deep, but it is relatively classic in structure. Does it drag a litte in some places? -- Yes, a little. Is it a little too sentimental? -- Maybe for some. Is it safe to watch with your family without experiencing horrible shame? -- Sure is! I've probably watched this movie over 20 times in my life, and I definitely think it's worth a watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/02/25

Full Review

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Vincent Ward

Director

Robin Williams

Chris Nielsen

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Albert Lewis

Annabella Sciorra

Annie Nielsen

Max von Sydow

The Tracker

Jessica Brooks Grant

Marie Nielsen

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - Thank You For Every Kindness

2:04

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - Robin Williams Dies

2:48

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - The Shores of Hell

3:06

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - Heavenly Kiss

2:43

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - The Floor of Faces in Hell

3:19

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - Robin Williams Meets Cuba Gooding Jr.

2:50

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - Boat Ride to Hell

1:45

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - Robin Williams In Painted Heaven

2:38

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - Robin Williams Naruto-Runs

2:24

What Dreams May Come: Official Clip - Max Von Sydow is the Ferryman

2:53

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Synopsis

After Chris Nielsen (Robin Williams) dies in a car accident, he is guided through the afterlife by his spirit guide, Albert (Cuba Gooding Jr.). His new world is beautiful and can be whatever Chris imagines. Even his children are there. But, when his wife, Annie (Annabella Sciorra), commits suicide and is sent to hell, Chris ignores Albert's warnings and journeys there to save her. Upon arrival, Chris finds that rescuing Annie will be more difficult than he'd imagined.

Director: Vincent Ward
Producer: Stephen Deutsch, Barnet Bain
Screenwriter: Richard Matheson, Ronald Bass
Distributor: Polygram
Production Co: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 28, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $55.5M
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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