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Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting

Some people can never believe in themselves, until someone believes in them.

1997126 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Gus Van Sant
Starring
Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård

Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who is failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Good Will Hunting?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Good Will Hunting streaming on Apple TV via Prime Video, Paramount+ and Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Good Will Hunting?

Good Will Hunting earns 12 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Good Will Hunting worth watching?

Good Will Hunting's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 4.8M ratings across 6 sources. 94% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)98th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

84 /100

98th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1990s

Critics 71 · Audience 85

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

94% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1990s
94% rated it 7–106% rated it 1–6

Critics 97% · Audience 94%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

2 Oscars won · 7 Oscar noms · 22 wins / 61 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Actor in a Supporting Role
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

99th percentile

4.8M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 27% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$10M
Opening weekend$273K
Domestic gross$138M
Worldwide gross$226M

Returned 22.6× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is a character-driven drama about a gifted but wounded young man from South Boston who finds connection through therapy and friendship.

Fans praised

  • Script's raw emotional intelligence
  • Robin Williams' warm, vulnerable performance
  • Authentic therapy scenes healing broken relationship

Detractors panned

  • Unrealistic genius janitor premise
  • Predictable and formulaic plot beats
  • Smug, unlikeable protagonist in first half

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Damon's raw vulnerability, Williams' restrained warmth

Emotional impactDivisive85

It's-not-your-fault breakdown moves most

DialogueDivisive83

Sharp, quotable therapy exchanges and bar-banter

CharactersDivisive75

Complex but divisive lead; Will's arc polarizes

PacingDivisive62

Slow-burn romance of therapy scenes

EndingDivisive62

Ambiguous highway drive seen as satisfying escape or cliffhanger

Plot and storyDivisive58

Familiar genius-healing story; seen as predictable

OriginalityDivisive42

Derivative of Ordinary People, Little Man Tate

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Good Will Hunting like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
MelancholicHopefulWarmJoyful
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its drama straight with warmth and sincerity, balancing emotional weight with gentle humour.
The rideThe film balances melancholy and warmth, building gradually toward a cathartic, hopeful ending.
StructureThe story follows a linear progression from Will's discovery through therapy to his decision to leave.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a sense of hope as Will embraces his future, but also a bittersweet ache from the sacrifices made.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeWill, a janitor with genius intellect, is forced into therapy after legal trouble; through his relationship with Sean, he confronts his trauma and chooses a path toward self-acceptance and love.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSelf-worth
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of filmsTrauma · 7% of filmsPurpose · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about a man who must learn to see himself as worthy of love and a meaningful life, despite a childhood that taught him otherwise.
StanceThe film celebrates self-worth and human connection, arguing that emotional honesty is as valuable as intellectual brilliance.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernFolkSupportive music · hybrid · Danny Elfman
SettingSouth Boston working-class neighborhoods and MIT campus
MusicThe score blends orchestral warmth with acoustic guitar, underscoring the film's emotional sincerity; the soundtrack features Elliott Smith's 'Miss Misery' as a key song.

Content guide

Is Good Will Hunting okay for kids?

R

Good Will Hunting is rated R: “Rated R for strong language, including some sex-related dialogue” (MPAA). As of August 18, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (39/100), sexual content at moderate (40/100), language at severe (88/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at moderate (41/100). Overall it is heavier than 37% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 21 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR18+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Greece12
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesPG
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO18
  • SpainA
  • Sweden11
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 62% of all filmsHeavier than 37% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 19%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 36%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 87%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 55%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Good Will Hunting have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in Good Will Hunting: Gore or body horror (moderate), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateGore or body horror

Cast and crew

Who is in Good Will Hunting?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; 3 award-winning performances in the cast.

Matt Damon
as Will
Oscar win: Academy Award — Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the ScreenTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Robin Williams
as Sean
Oscar win: Academy Award — Best Actor in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ben Affleck
as Chuckie
Oscar win: Academy Award — Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the ScreenTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Stellan Skarsgård
as Lambeau
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by a Cast
Minnie Driver
as Skylar
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Casey Affleck
as Morgan
newcomer then · star now
Cole Hauser
as Billy
newcomer then · star now
Vik Sahay
as M.I.T. Student
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
John Mighton
as Tom
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Rachel Majorowski
as Krystyn
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Good Will Hunting?

Movies like Good Will Hunting include The Way Way Back (2013), The Visitor (2007) and Hope Springs (2012). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Gus Van Sant, and most are films set in New England.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its character type: mentor and protégé. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Good Will Hunting?

425 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: prestige drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.