Awakenings
Runtime
120 min
Original language
English
Country of origin
United States
Type
Movie
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Awakenings (1990)

American Movie1990Rating 7.8
📌 Available on Prime Video🛡️ Older teens 13+
📖 Story

Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.

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Watchprint

Character-driven

82
Strong recommendation
EnergyMeasured and gradual
ToneLight and steady
ExperienceStraightforward viewing experience
Best suited forviewers who enjoy accessible storytelling
What to expect from this title?Expect a lighter watch that runs on dialogue, chemistry, and day-to-day situations more than escalation.
Dialogue drives the rhythmChemistry matters more than escalationEasy to settle into
🛡️ Age guidance & viewing advice
13+Older teens
📌 MPAA
Family supervision is recommended for younger viewers.
Runtime
120 min
Original language
English
Country of origin
United States
Type
Movie
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🧭 Ratings Compass

How did major sources rate this title?

This compass summarizes available ratings for Awakenings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and TMDB, including vote counts when available, so you can read both the score and its weight.

⭐ 77.7/100📊 4 sources🕒 2026-05-18
IMDb7.8/10171K votes78
Rotten Tomatoes81%81
Metacritic74/10074
TMDB7.8/102.9K votes77.7
📌 Ratings may change as sources update, and the signal does not replace your own viewing opinion.🕒 Last updated: 2026-05-18
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Smart assistant for Awakenings
👥 Cast profile

Cast & Crew

Key creators and cast in a compact, organized view.
6 sections
DirectorPenny Marshall
WritingSteven Zaillian
CastRobert De NiroRobin WilliamsJohn HeardJulie KavnerPenelope Ann Miller
ProductionLawrence LaskerWalter F. ParkesElliot AbbottPenny Marshall
MusicJerry RossBob NewlanHamilton Sterling
CinematographyMiroslav OndříčekTom Priestley Jr.Louis Goldman

Where to watch Awakenings

Current viewing options based on the best data we have.
Now available through 5 official offers on 1 platform
Availability may vary by country and by subscription, buy, or rent option. If no verified direct link exists, the button will open provider search or the official provider page.
5 official offers🎬 1 platform🌍 May vary by country

Where to Watch

5 platforms available · Prices may vary by country
Availability Snapshot5 offers

Awakenings is currently listed across official watch options including Prime Video.

Rental starts from 3.49 GBP on Prime Video. Purchase starts from 7.99 GBP on Prime Video.

Use the offer cards below to compare providers, countries, rent, buy, and subscription options clearly.

Providers1Lowest rent3.49 GBPLowest buy7.99 GBP
Available
Prime Video
5 offers  ·  in 2 countries
Available in
UK
GBCA
Options
RentBuyHDSDUHD
Price / note
Rent from 3.49 GBP
Audio: English, French, German, Italian
Subtitles: Multiple
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🎬 Official videos magazine

Videos for Awakenings

A compact viewing magazine that gathers the trailer, teasers, and official clips related to this title in one place.
🎞️ 3 videos
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📊 Title-specific financial analysis

Commercial performance analysis

An editorial snapshot using the title’s recorded currency: budget, revenue, commercial gap, and return multiple without forcing USD conversion.

Limited success1.68x
💱Analysis currency: USD
✅ Limited success

Revenue moved beyond the budget with a reasonable margin

The release produced a positive commercial result, though not a major box office breakout.
Quick pulse
Limited success
The release delivered $52.1M against a reported budget of $31M to finish with a positive commercial result based on its return multiple.
💹 Return multiple: 1.68x📈 ROI: +68%🧾 Limited success
💰Budget
$31M31 million USD
Reported production cost in USD.
🌍Worldwide revenue
$52.1M52.1 million USD
Total reported box office return in USD.
Commercial gap
+$21.1M+21.1 million USD
Gap between revenue and budget.
Return multiple
1.68x1.68x
How many times revenue covered the budget.
Financial map
Relative scale inside this section
Budget
$31M
Revenue
$52.1M
Commercial gap
+$21.1M
Budget: $31M • Revenue: $52.1M • Commercial gap: +$21.1M ROI +68%
This commercial analysis compares the release budget, total revenue, commercial gap, and return multiple to explain the final box office position. — Finished above budget with a reasonable gap.
Financial data is based on available sources and may be updated when official or newer figures become available.

Cast & crew

Show the rest of the cast
Director: Penny Marshall

❓ FAQ

Short, focused questions that help you decide quickly without repeating details already shown above.
1Where can I watch the movie Awakenings?
The film is exclusively available on Prime Video. You can subscribe to the service and watch it directly in high quality. It's a classic drama film with a runtime of 120 minutes.
2What is the plot of Awakenings movie?
The film follows Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, who uses an experimental drug to awaken victims of a rare disease from their catatonic state. Leonard is the first patient to receive this groundbreaking treatment, which becomes a turning point in his life and the story.
3Who are the main actors in Awakenings?
Robert De Niro plays Leonard, the patient, and Robin Williams plays Dr. Malcolm Sayer. They are supported by John Heard, Julie Kavner, and Penelope Ann Miller in key roles.
4When was Awakenings released and who directed it?
The film was released in 1990 and directed by Penny Marshall. It's considered a classic film in world cinema due to its touching human story.
5Is Awakenings suitable for all age groups?
Awakenings is a serious drama film intended for adults and may be suitable for older teenagers interested in dramatic cinema. We recommend checking the content rating on Prime Video before watching with children.
6What is the runtime of Awakenings?
The film has a runtime of 120 minutes (approximately 2 hours), making it a reasonable length for a deep and emotional dramatic story. You can watch it comfortably on Prime Video at any time.

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