Good Will Hunting

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Good Will Hunting

R

1998

2h 6m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

89 Reviews

94%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).

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Critics Consensus

It follows a predictable narrative arc, but Good Will Hunting adds enough quirks to the journey -- and is loaded with enough powerful performances -- that it remains an entertaining, emotionally rich drama.

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Bill Boisvert

Chicago Reader

06/16/2022

The problem becomes more glaring when movies portray geniuses, characters who not only think constantly but think thoughts that are incomprehensible to the rest of us.

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Roxana Hadadi

RogerEbert.com

06/05/2020

Good Will Hunting is lyrically directed, efficiently written, side-splittingly funny, quietly devastating.

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Mike Clark

USA Today

01/09/2018

3.5/4

The headline story from this slice of honestly earned sentiment is Matt Damon, who delivers the year's No. 1 breakthrough performance directly atop his agreeable high-profile turn in John Grisham's The Rainmaker.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

12/09/2023

4/4

...a predominantly engrossing drama that benefits from its compelling narrative and superb performances...

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

03/13/2023

Adding moments of erudition and salty wit to a feelgood tale proves to be a winning formula.

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Dan DiNicola

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

01/19/2023

A

A terrifically warm, tender and entertaining story... In significant ways, the "Rocky" of the '90s.

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Gail

01/30/2025

Exceptional acting and poignant moments throughout

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Kyle S

@RT67393021 1h

An incredible story of a young man who is gifted with supreme intelligence who must overcome his childhood trauma. It’s a story about becoming valuable and accepting who you truly are as a human. Robbin Williams and Matt Damon’s chemistry in this film is unbeaten. Superb acting from every character. Such a beautiful film.

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Alex B

@AlexBioni 1d

How Do You Like Them Apples? Good Will Hunting is one of those movies that only comes around once in a lifetime. Robin Williams gives the best performance of his career, and his chemistry with Matt Damon is incredible. Ben Affleck's stories and conversations with the guys are hilarious and add so much heart to the film. The writing is exceptional. The script is smart, and every conversation feels meaningful. It reminds us that you cannot truly know a person just by reading their biography. People are complicated, and everyone carries struggles you cannot see. It is a movie about taking chances and truly living instead of letting fear decide your future. One nitpick is the awkward slow motion fight early on, which feels very much like the 90s. I laugh, smile, and leave with something new every time I watch it.

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Bryan M

@bryanmoore11 2d

Was missing something for a perfect 5. But great stuff. Robin Williams takes the crown for me. Ben affleck’s dialogue right below it.

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Reese B

@reeseburkett 5d

I think one session with Robin Williams would cure me

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Luke C

@Don_L Jul 18

One of my favourite movies of all time

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Gus Van Sant

Director

Matt Damon

Will Hunting

Robin Williams

Sean Maguire

Ben Affleck

Chuckie Sullivan

Minnie Driver

Skylar

Stellan Skarsgård

Gerald Lambeau

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - It's Not Your Fault

2:53

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - You Got Something None of Us Have

2:12

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Job Interview at the NSA

2:01

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Say You Don't Love Me

2:17

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Skyler's Joke

1:36

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - No Regrets

2:08

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Direction or Manipulation?

2:13

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Presumptions of a Scared Kid

2:59

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - The Painting

2:15

Good Will Hunting: Official Clip - Remembering the Imperfections

2:05

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Synopsis

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).

Director: Gus Van Sant
Producer: Lawrence Bender
Screenwriter: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Miramax Films, Be Gentlemen Limited Partnership, Lawrence Bender Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 9, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 14, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $138.3M
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: 35mm