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Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting

1997
Drama
2h 6m
A janitor at MIT, Will Hunting has a gift for maths that can take him light-years beyond his blue-collar roots, but to achieve his dream he must turn his back on the neighborhood and his best friend. To complicate matters, two strangers enter the equation: a washed-up shrink who starts to coach Will through his transformation, and a med student who shows him that there can be a pretty face along with his life of the mind. (imdb)
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Good Will Hunting

1997
Drama
2h 6m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 65.83% from 16254 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(16254)
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Rated 31 Dec 2020
100
97th
Kudos to Affleck & Damon for writing an amazingly quotable screenplay, and then having the courage to demand to star in it. I've heard rumors that studios wanted Ron Howard to direct Brad & Leo (with a tacked on death scene). We avoided that, and got Van Sant expertly directing all 4 lead actors, painterly photography, and a wonderful Elliott Smith soundtrack. A fantastic coming-of-age story that shows young people how to use those around them to take responsibility for their lives. Classic.
Rated 09 Feb 2007
10
98th
Really really good movie that gets a lot of hate because *gasp* Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote it. Who cares? It's awesome and you know it. Van Sant is totally absent from his typically directing style and if you usually hate his "slow, boring" stuff then try this out.
Rated 13 Mar 2012
94
79th
Emotional, and expressing, Good Will Hunting is a bit predictable, but the film is great for it's leads and writing.
Rated 15 Apr 2012
69
28th
The perfect Hollywood Drama. Young white kid with amazing potential learns about himself and teaches his teachers something about themselves at the same time. It's saved by some great dialogue, and a perfect performance by Robin Williams. Worth a look but it's the poster boy for Hollywood Oscar Bait.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
9
98th
It's got a whip-smart script that crackles with energy and unlike many other movies about smart people, actually makes me believe this guy is as smart as they say he is. The acting is top-notch, especially Damon and Williams. The movie that made math fun again!
Rated 04 Aug 2011
88
84th
Brilliant performances from Damon/Williams (beard ftw!) bring to life the energetic and well-written Damon/Affleck script. Real-life friendships of the supporting actors give the film its genuine heart and the dialogue is often as funny as it is thoughtful. It narrowly avoids the pitfalls of traditional uplifting films by being especially observant of the delicate human psyche and juxtaposing the need for love and acceptance vs the need for success and accolades in a very raw and honest manner.
Rated 20 Oct 2012
68
55th
This movie is great in clips. There are a handful of great scenes that are well worth watching and rewatching at your leisure, but it is a bit much in a full viewing. I had to watch the "You owe it to me" scene just from writing this review.
Rated 16 Aug 2014
82
89th
The BBC showed this not long after Robin Williams died, which definitely lent it some extra poignancy; Williams' performance hereis first class. In fact, this is pretty well put together all round - the script, acting, music and direction are all of a high standard. It maybe strays into some cheesiness, but it has a strong, warm heart which is hard to dislike.
Rated 13 Jul 2015
1
6th
Goes through the obvious motions and pushes all of the easy buttons. It's written in cheesy aphorisms, every line an inspirational soundbite. It's cloying, nauseating, pandering.
Rated 28 Dec 2015
71
47th
Matt Damon's intellectual dialogue is about as masturbatory as Casey Affleck's character jizzing into a baseball glove, indeed geniuses can be jerk-offs too. Despite all the bluster involving greater aspirations and higher human consciousness the moral of the story somehow ends up focusing on chasing love at first sight, complete with one-date soulmate rhetoric from a twice-divorced actor. Is it wrong? Maybe not, it's just corny as shit. There are some very engaging scenes otherwise.
Rated 30 May 2021
58
84th
Imagine how different this movie would be if that guy didn't like apples.
Rated 21 Sep 2021
85
85th
I think this film fulfills every young man's fantasy -- to be discovered as being great at something and then have people constantly in awe at your abilities. This is also wish fulfillment as every young man also wants Robin Williams to be his father. Williams is the ultimate wife guy. However, what is great about this is that despite leaning towards the maudlin, this all feels very human. I am ready for the sequel, "Bad Willing Hunting", where Damon dons a leather jacket and some cool shades.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
93
97th
Wonderfully written, brilliantly acted, and above all it's pretty simple, but undeniably effective. Matt Damon and Robin Williams hit all the right emotional strings.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
96th
There's some wonderful dialogue in this one, and Robin Williams deserved his Best Supporting Actor Oscar, as he really is that good in this film. I would have ranked this one even higher if it wasn't set in Boston.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
97th
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It's always shocking to me that Matt Damon actually wrote it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
72
41st
Avoided this for a long time because, despite the fact that I like Gus Van Sant, I hate Robin Williams. But I'm glad I watched it. Not quite as hokey as I expected (though it certainly had hokiness). I've seen a few too many scenes where the friendly, laidback, no-bullshit shrink finally gets through to the troubled, guarded youth, but that's okay.
Rated 17 May 2008
90
97th
Some great supporting actors and very good writing, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck outdid themselves.
Rated 30 May 2008
83
79th
Very enjoyable drama with an excellent script and stellar performances from everyone in the cast. Apparently there's a lot of Robin Williams, Ben Afleck and Matt Damon hate on this here internet so if you're one of those then I guess you should give this movie a big skip. If you aren't then this movie is certainly something to see.
Rated 03 Oct 2010
40
33rd
The best part of this film is Harmony Korine.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
91
95th
Heaps the sentimentality on a bit thick at times but still wonderfully enjoyable and effective.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
56th
Smartly written and expertly acted, Good Will Hunting is an incredible first-time effort.
Rated 15 Mar 2008
90
99th
A fairly simple story of a gifted individual who prefers a low brow existence in the slums of Boston. Williams and Skarsgard make excellent showings as a pair of competing mentor figures. Great cinematography from Gus van Sant who builds from a somewhat grimy and hopeless atmosphere to one of genuine optimism.
Rated 21 Jun 2008
33
22nd
There's some decent writing here, but this movie is so smug and irritating that one barely notices. This may be Robin Williams' best movie performance, only because he is not quite so insufferably obnoxious as usual. "It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's not your fault." This turkey is most assuredly SOMEBODY'S fault.
Rated 04 Oct 2008
60
50th
Scriptwise not all that great (a couple of the long monologues I could do without) and Van Sant's persona is absent at times (I actually like his pretentious, slow films!), but overall a charming film nevertheless. Matt Damon is a beautiful boy, and I bet Van Sant agrees - just look at Damon's face bathing in milky sunlight in the psychiatrist's room.
Rated 04 Feb 2009
70
79th
Aww poor Will, it must be tough to be a genius.
Rated 06 Apr 2009
95
99th
For me, close to perfect. It all centers around Will Hunting who is a marvelously complex character - cocky and aggressive towards strangers, erudite and gifted by himself; proud of his friends but ashamed of his past; full of repressed emotions. All of this is revealed gradually and with perfect timing. Will's relationships with his friends contrast well with his private side, and the history between the maths professor and the psychiatrist makes a fascinating second focal point for the story.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
87
93rd
"Good Will Hunting" is just a lovely film. To list its faults would be completely missing the point, as this film sets out to be a piece of pure and simple melodrama and excels in its aim. Okay so its doing nothing new or diverse, but who cares? "Good Will Hunting" is well performed (Williams in particular is brilliant and totally deserved his Oscar), well directed and has a great little soundtrack. If anything over time this film has become underrated.
Rated 17 Jan 2010
80
75th
Good performances from both Damon and Williams. I'm not 100% sure why the script deserved an Oscar as it was pretty archetypal, but it's not a bad script by any means. Still, it's a very good drama and well worth a watch.
Rated 18 Feb 2010
75
71st
Breakout film for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck but the premise is pretty ridiculous. What saves it is the solid acting by Damon and most notably Robin Williams who showed how much depth he has as an actor. Overall the film has everything needed to succeed in Hollywood..a romance, an implausible "overcoming the odds", and a coming of age story. Not as good as hyped though but it works well enough to make you feel good after watching it.
Rated 02 May 2010
91
96th
Wonderful and beautiful story about chances and opportunities. Great pacing, great dialogues, nice touch of humour and some romance.. I truly loved this one. Great acting too. Afleck was good, but Damon and Williams were just amazing!
Rated 24 Mar 2011
96
99th
Ben Aflek needs to stick with writing/directing instead of acting.
Rated 06 Jun 2011
100
99th
Probably my favorite film that I've ever seen to this point in my life, and it's simply an emotional powerhouse. Gus Van Sant's direction was stellar, the writing from Damon and Affleck nearly flawless and Robin Williams' performance stole the show. I can watch it once per week and it doesn't really get old. Wonderful in nearly every way.
Rated 20 Oct 2013
80
78th
Top badass moment? Until I was 16 I was good at maths. By the time I was 18 I was crap at it. In revenge, I degrade it these days by referring to it as "sums", just to get my own back on arithmetic. And I call rectangles, oblongs and deliberately fail to remember the difference between diameter, radius and circumference. Just call me a rebel! Secretly though, I'm deeply impressed by anyone who can make sense of maths. Like it or not, that makes Will badass. No cats, chainsaws or decapitation.
Rated 25 Jan 2014
95
99th
Good Will Hunting is a fantastic film. It has a moving screenplay, an impressive leading performance, a sweetness to it that's not too often seen, some good supporting work, and so many small moments which make the movie so much more than it could have been. The touches by its director, Gus Van Sant, transform what would have been a good but routine coming-of-age story into something great. I absolutely recommend Good Will Hunting. It's one of the films you need to see.
Rated 12 Apr 2016
89
90th
Good Will Hunting is a well-written, well-acted and well-directed film that's both enjoyable and touching
Rated 14 Jun 2016
78
72nd
The "local boys make good" story was great for Damon and Affleck in '97, and it also suits the world of the film, which has held up decently over the years but also shows the seams of the formulaic method of creating an earnest indie drama in the 1990s. Williams is the true highlight here, alternatively subdued and ferocious. Fun to watch and imagine a time when the Boston accent and the comically profane antics of hard-luck Southies were a novel thing at the movies.
Rated 23 Dec 2016
80
90th
nice movie
Rated 29 Jun 2019
95
81st
There is much to like about the movie. It's emotional, it's funny, it has really great characters, both in the lead roles and the supporting cast, that have some interesting dynamics. For a movie that tries to be fairly grounded, it all feels so improbable by the end of the movie. It just feels like it wouldn't be quite so simple as the movie makes it out.
Rated 12 Jan 2020
100
90th
Fantastic script and performances. You could put on a cynical hat and point out a few flaws if you wanted, but I loved it.
Rated 03 Jan 2022
98
96th
This is my favorite movie. The acting is phenomenal. The pacing is great, the chemistry between the characters is natural and fun. It's the movie I can watch over and over again with no issue. Hands down my favorite Williams film. His lessons he teaches to Will are life changing and heart warming. Every time I watch it I learn something new or I take a new lesson that I needed to hear. It's emotional and will make you feel things and I love that in a film. Definitely give it a shot. No regrets.
Rated 01 Feb 2007
93
97th
A great movie for the gifted cynic.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
89
83rd
Great movie that solidified Matt Damon as a leading actor of the new generation. I love this movie!
Rated 22 Mar 2007
87
83rd
Speeches! Every major character gets a speech for some reason. But they're good ones, and the movie is really interesting. As an added bonus, if you love the f-word, then you're in for a treat!
Rated 02 Jun 2007
90
86th
Works a lot better than it should, with Matt Damon's character being one of the more convincing "screwed-up genius" characters I have seen
Rated 12 Jul 2007
94
89th
A really good drama. Put both Damon and Affleck on the map.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
40th
It's a good story, but Affleck is really terrible as an actor. Damon is much better but some of his antics are beyond annoying. If I had been Robin William's character I would've punched Damon in the face about 20 times.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
48
36th
Kinda kitschy.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
36th
My dislike for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck conquers here. It's a decent enough movie, but far overrated. Very bland.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
83rd
Surprisingly Intelligent, great characters, well acted... Come on Damon and Affleck, write some more movies together!!!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
40
30th
It IS your fault, and you should FEEL BAD.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
97th
Speaks with a wisdom beyond its years. All you've got to do is listen.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
85th
A very good movie and probably the best work Affleck and Damon have done together. This is a well acted and well written (!) movie ramed by great performances by Williams and Driver. Sure it can be a little sappy and sometimes a little vulgar, but it is still a joy to watch.
Rated 09 Oct 2007
80
80th
Excellent acting of Robin Williams and Matt Damon. Good, but something was still lacking to be perfect.
Rated 07 Mar 2008
98
90th
I absolutely love this movie! Aside from a rather heavy reliance on the "F-word" and a few rather crude sexual jokes, this is a beautiful story about realizing one's purpose, being true to oneself, and honoring love.
Rated 10 Apr 2008
86
70th
Learn how to embrace your talents. Realize that when you have gifts, you should use them rather than trying to fight off the idea of succeeding with what you got. Don't be afraid to go all the way. That's what this film is about.
Rated 10 May 2008
50
16th
It's pretty cliche and dull. Has a very much undeserved reputation for being good.
Rated 08 Jun 2009
80
91st
Whatever happened to Minnie Driver? Anyways, back to the subject at hand, I've always liked Robin Williams when he's being at least a little bit serious, and in this Damon/Affleck-penned story about a boy wonder growing up on the "wrong" side of Boston, he is but still manages to pull laughs. Heartwarming.
Rated 02 Aug 2009
95
99th
I love the conversations between Damon and Williams, so true to life. The movie is like an encyclopedia to life, love, friendship, relationships, overcoming the past and so many more themes. And yet it is extremely enjoyable and funny. The perfect film for me.
Rated 06 Aug 2009
72
75th
It might sound cliché, but this is a really inspiring, moving film. Van Sant did something amazing with Affleck and Damon's intelligent script.
Rated 10 Jan 2010
62
66th
Good Will Hunting is the counterpart to Shawshank Redemption in terms of being that idealized 90's film that everyone loves, but you revisit years later and you realize it's all drenched in syrupy pathos to the point where it's almost a Hallmark movie.
Rated 11 Jan 2010
96
98th
Excellent, fine acting, moving story, touches deep.
Rated 26 Mar 2010
90
89th
Wonderfully paced coming of age story. It obviously fits the 90's Hollywood mold quite well, but I thought Damon/Affleck brought their personal sensibilities to the script.
Rated 16 Apr 2010
77
72nd
Very sentimental.
Rated 06 May 2010
83
90th
Mistakes - 1) At the university in the beginning, the blackboard on the wall changes position in every shot - once it's pushed up, next shot it's at the bottom, and this happens several times. 2) When Will and Skylar are on their date and eating hamburgers, an extra in a blue jacket is seen walking by in the background multiple times.
Rated 15 Jun 2010
85
20th
The only, and I do mean ONLY, good moment in this film is the tracking shot of the car on the interstate. Everything else is so dull-witted and uninformed that it's hard to see how this is a film about smart people.
Rated 01 Aug 2010
85
79th
Affleck and Damon. Who would've thought that duo would have created such a well made flick?! :)
Rated 10 Sep 2010
90
95th
Really loved this one, great perfomances all around.
Rated 19 Sep 2010
95
55th
God gifted boy,street fighting to show how he hate world bcoz haven't find parents love. i think about 70% lad go through it.
Rated 27 Sep 2010
80
89th
Actually surprisingly good. The retorical heads-up battle between Damon and Williams are very entertaining.
Rated 09 Oct 2010
79
89th
the chemical relation between Damon and Williams moves the film toward to the end. again Williams has a inspirational and effective acting and character.
Rated 15 Oct 2010
100
90th
The music is great: Elliot Smith
Rated 16 Jan 2011
91
92nd
One of my favorites
Rated 30 Jan 2011
90
81st
One of my favourite Matt Damon movies, a wonderful story about a struggle to embrace potential.
Rated 31 Jan 2011
87
82nd
Well-acted well-written movie. It just seemed like nothing could go wrong here, not even the presence of Ben Affleck brought this down. Probably the best work I have ever seen by both Affleck and Damon. Stellan Skarsgård and Robin Williams are amazing in their respective roles as well. Overall I wasn't bored for a single minute, I'd recommend this to anyone.
Rated 17 Apr 2011
100
98th
Great movie!
Rated 13 Jun 2011
96
75th
My psychology teacher said that this was probably the therapist communities top film
Rated 16 Jun 2011
100
97th
I was due for a rewatch on this one. I upgraded the rating, as I don't see any flaws. Beautiful film, compelling original screenplay (Kudos to Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) and maybe Robin Williams' best performance.
Rated 27 Jun 2011
96
97th
Excelentes actuaciones, guión... altamente recomendable
Rated 03 Jul 2011
91
96th
Truly great, it's hard to believe that this was written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Robin Williams is simply superb.
Rated 05 Aug 2011
90
93rd
Deserved its Oscars.
Rated 02 Nov 2011
90
89th
Live life, regret nothing. There are some lessons anyone should learn. Presented with a story that could have been ours.
Rated 21 Nov 2011
57
63rd
Enjoyable movie. Having been around a bunch of geniuses, I couldn't quite believe Matt Damon in that role.
Rated 08 Jan 2012
80
86th
8- highly recommended
Rated 08 Jan 2012
85
82nd
Love the story. Makes me feel great after watching it.
Rated 18 Feb 2012
94
99th
The writing, direction, and performances are so great that its sappiness is a strength rather than a weakness. Also, I could be wrong, but I think this is the only movie I like with a pun title?
Rated 10 Mar 2012
86
93rd
Very good drama with some good performances from Damon, Driver, and especially Williams. Kind of missed Van Sant's techniques from other films, but I still think he did a good job.
Rated 01 Apr 2012
95
93rd
There's the quiet, warm-hearted moments that really tug at the heartstrings; there's the outstanding career-best Damon role; and there's the beautiful, perfectly-judged payoff.
Rated 14 Jun 2012
97
98th
Everything about this movie oozes excellence. Script, dialogue, story, acting and includes sections of humor and romance. Wonderful.
Rated 15 Jun 2012
95
89th
Compelling and breezy.
Rated 26 Jul 2012
83
70th
Nice, little preachy
Rated 30 Jul 2012
2
46th
Forrest Gump for Liberals.
Rated 30 Jul 2012
80
53rd
I can see how this movie could be simply labelled off as "solid but nothing special" due to the execution of its rather basic feel good story. Then again I found the screenplay and acting both excellent and a few scenes still stick out in my mind every now and then. If a movie lingers with you long after its over then I'd say it's a pretty damn good movie.
Rated 08 Aug 2012
83
73rd
A cliched story done in a totally non-cliched way -- that's the way cliched stories should be told. UPDATE: A little too unbelievable at times, as it forces its story points (the other psychologists gave up on him real quick), but there's still some extraordinary power in some of these scenes. "You did nothing wrong" "I know."
Rated 13 Aug 2012
56
46th
A serviceable movie, though not as smart as it thinks it is. The scruffy Robin Williams character and his "wisdom of the common man" grates on the nerves after a while. Manipulative.
Rated 26 Aug 2012
98
93rd
one of the best drama's i've seen that actually left an impression on me
Rated 15 Mar 2013
78
86th
Good film, well-paced and interesting. Some great acting and a good story with some great dialogue.
Rated 28 Jul 2013
90
82nd
As someone whose first exposure to Damon was the Bourne trilogy, it's weird to see him so young. The film is very poignant - to the point that it may be too sickly for some people but I really enjoyed it.
Rated 24 Dec 2013
88
84th
this movie was amazing. the acting was superb, but what blew me away more than anything was how utterly brilliant the script was. it was so emotive and it captured the characters so well. it definitely demonstrated what michael shurtleff meant about finding the humour in every scene and because of that was more true to life than most films i've seen.
Rated 28 Dec 2013
50
15th
A movie that has spawned hundreds of atrocities. A wet american centre-left look at meritocracy and class. Sentimental porn for the middle-aged. Makes you appreciate the Chinese academic selection process.
Rated 29 Dec 2013
91
70th
All about the performances of Damon and Williams. And I don't even like Damon or Williams very much.

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