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Henry & June

Henry & June

A true adventure more erotic than any fantasy

1990136 minNC-17Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films
Director
Philip Kaufman
Starring
Fred Ward, Uma Thurman, Maria de Medeiros, Richard E. Grant

While traveling in Paris, author Henry Miller and his wife, June, meet Anais Nin, and sexual sparks fly as Nin starts an affair with the openly bisexual June. When June is forced to return to the U.S., she gives Nin her blessing to sleep with her husband. Then, when June returns to France, an unexpected, and sometimes contentious, threesome forms.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Henry & June?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Henry & June on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Henry & June?

Henry & June earns 5 badges, led by Visual feast and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Henry & June worth watching?

Henry & June's Midcredits score is the 54th percentile of all films, from 23K ratings across 6 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

54th percentile

Better received than 54% of films

30th percentile among Biography58th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)52nd
Approval (how many liked it)55th

62 /100

52nd percentile of all films

29th percentile among Biography57th percentile among 1990s

Critics 62 · Audience 62

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

52% liked it

55th percentile of all films

30th percentile among Biography58th percentile among 1990s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Critics 60% · Audience 68%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 5 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Cinematography

Reach

How many have seen it

89th percentile

23K ratings across platforms

75th percentile among Biography84th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 12% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$1M
Domestic gross$12M
Worldwide gross$23M

80th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a visually beautiful, atmospheric portrait of 1930s Paris centered on Anais Nin's erotic awakening, but disagree on whether its slow, character-driven focus is captivating or tedious.

Fans praised

  • Maria de Medeiros as Anais Nin — captivating, wide-eyed, radiates erotic mystique
  • Uma Thurman's June Miller — memorable, showy, emotional range
  • Atmosphere and recreation of 1930s bohemian Paris — visually lush, moody, authentic period detail

Detractors panned

  • Pretentious, self-indulgent dialogue — laughable lines lacking verisimilitude
  • Fred Ward miscast as Henry Miller — unconvincing bald cap, thick performance
  • Tediously slow and overlong — dull spots, no real plot momentum

What stands out

Cinematography82

Universally praised — Philippe Rousselot's lush, painterly photography creates surreal 1930s Paris

AtmosphereDivisive78

Strong agreement that it captures bohemian Paris ambiance — fans call it immersive, some detractors find it too sleazy

Sound and music75

Fans praise smoky French songs, jazz tracks, Stravinsky's Le Sacre du Printemps; detractors silent

ActingDivisive72

de Medeiros praised as captivating and perfect; Thurman divisive — fans call her mesmerizing, detractors find her forced and stiff-accented; Ward widely criticized as miscast

Characters40

Fans see complex love square; detractors find characters unlikable, selfish, shallow

Plot and storyDivisive35

Nearly all agree it lacks traditional narrative drive — fans accept as character study, detractors call it meandering and pointless

Pacing30

Widely described as slow and overlong at 136 minutes — some fans find it meditative, most detractors call it tedious

DialogueDivisive30

Detractors mock flowery, pseudo-intellectual lines; fans note de Medeiros delivers them without sounding silly

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Henry & June like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It leaves you wistful.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
RomanticWarmBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Dry humor
Register
Romantic · 8% of filmsWarmTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film takes its characters' sexual and artistic liberation seriously, treating their desires with romantic warmth rather than irony.
The rideThe film maintains a romantic, warm mood throughout, with emotional tension rising in the climactic confrontation between the three.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Anaïs' introduction to Henry and June through the dissolution of the love triangle.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Wistful.

Wistful · 8% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers with a sense of longing for lost connection and the complexity of artistic relationships.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).
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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 22% of films: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeThe film is a character-driven drama focused on Anaïs Nin's emotional and sexual awakening; it follows her relationships rather than a conventional narrative arc.

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 filmsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · 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% · 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% (this title) · Technology 1%

Self

Coming of age · 5% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of filmsArt · 4% 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 themeAnaïs Nin's journey of sexual and emotional self-discovery through her relationships with Henry and June Miller.
StanceThe film celebrates Anaïs' sexual and artistic awakening, presenting her journey as a positive liberation.

The world

Early 20th centuryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Mark Adler
SettingBohemian Paris, 1931
MusicMark Adler's score evokes 1930s Paris with lush orchestration.

Content guide

Is Henry & June okay for kids?

NC-17

Henry & June is rated NC-17. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (37/100), sexual content at intense (73/100), language at moderate (60/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (45/100) and frightening material at minimal (13/100). Overall it is heavier than 3% of NC-17-rated films.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • Germany16
  • France18
  • South Korea18
  • FinlandK-16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 53% of all filmsHeavier than 3% of NC-17-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 11%
Sex & Nudity
Intense
typical for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 46%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 37%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 34%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for an NC-17-rated film
heavier than 1%

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

The reason to think twice is sexual content. Everything else sits at or below what NC-17-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 Henry & June have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Henry & June?

Cast

Fred Ward
as Henry Miller
Uma Thurman
as June Miller
Maria de Medeiros
as Anaïs
Richard E. Grant
as Hugo
Kevin Spacey
as Osborn
Jean-Philippe Écoffey
as Eduardo
Bruce Myers
as Jack
Juan Luis Buñuel
as Publisher
Féodor Atkine
as Spanish Dance Instructor
Artus de Penguern
as Brassaï

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Henry & June?

Movies like Henry & June include The Dreamers (2003), I Capture the Castle (2003) and Vita & Virginia (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, half are films set in high society, and half are forbidden-love stories.

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

6 of these 12 share its world: Paris. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Henry & June?

2.5K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: love triangle. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.