Harold and Maude

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Harold and Maude

PG

1971

1h 31m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

49 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Cult classic pairs Cort as a dead-pan disillusioned 20-year-old obsessed with suicide and a lovable Gordon as a fun-loving 80-year-old eccentric. They meet at a funeral, and develop a taboo romantic relationship, in which they explore the tired theme of the meaning of life with a fresh perspective.

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Critics Consensus

Hal Ashby's comedy is too dark and twisted for some, and occasionally oversteps its bounds, but there's no denying the film's warm humor and big heart.

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Richard McGuinness

Village Voice

Jan 18, 2013

The fact that [it] isn't very funny and, like its 80-year-old heroic, long outlives its necessary life, is less important than the fact that the characters frequently react gently or like credible human beings to the script's impossible notions.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Oct 24, 2007

Simpleminded, but it's fairly inoffensive, at least until Ashby lingers over the concentration-camp serial number tattooed on Gordon's arm. Some things are beyond the reach of whimsy.

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Derek Adams

Time Out

Jun 24, 2006

It is most successful when it keeps to the tone of an insane fairystory set up at the beginning of the movie.

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Rosalyn Drexler

Vogue

Mar 8, 2024

3/4

The picture is anti-war, anti-repression, and full of fun; a charming hour and a half of black humor.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Feb 14, 2022

4/4

Its strength resides in a philosophy of self-exploration through personal fulfillment, bodily acceptance and exploration, artistic creation, and spontaneity.

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Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

Dec 31, 2021

5/5

Exemplifies the expression "it shouldn't have worked, but it did" more than any movie I can think of, is a romantic comedy, and also a very dark comedy (50th anniversary)

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Meghan

Feb 24, 2026

Favorite movie of all time

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Mark L

@Peabsrt Sep 11, 2026

My best friend in high school saw this and told me that I have to watch it with him. He was spot on. It's a quirky cult movie hit that touches on love, life and death. The movie has a lot to say about those topics. I'm going to play it for my family tonight because unlike your standard action movie this teaches a lot about how to live your life and be the best person that you can be. It's been a long time since I've seen this movie and I'm really looking forward to tonight.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 2, 2026

With a soundtrack by Cat Stevens, back when he used that name he wrote incredible songs. Harold and Maude prove that you can fall in love despite the age difference. I agree with Maude that 80 years old is just the right time to die!

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Brett R.

@RT75465503 Sep 2, 2026

One of my all time favorites!!

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Tami A

@chattyjollyvulture Jul 15, 2026

Loved this. I really enjoyed the music. Cat Stevens is perfect for this movie. I loved all the sets and locations the movie is 55 years old so it's a nice glimpse into the past visually. I loved the relationship that developed between Harold and Maude. Beautiful. My son cried, cried at the end. Maybe I'm too dead inside for that, didn't seem that sad to me.

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Melissa L

@Agent99 Jun 22, 2026

It was a great movie, but I am not too fond of the ending.

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Hal Ashby

Director

Bud Cort

Harold Chasen

Ruth Gordon

Maude

Cyril Cusack

Glaucus

Vivian Pickles

Mrs. Chasen

Charles Tyner

Uncle Victor

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Dating Questionnaire

2:13

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Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Maude's 80th Birthday

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Harold and Maude: Official Clip - It's Rather Hard to Find a Truck

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Harold and Maude: Official Clip - He Seems Very Nice

2:01

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Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Harold Meets Maude

2:13

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Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Can I Give You a Lift?

1:44

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Harold and Maude: Official Clip - The Last Date

2:13

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Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Backing Away From Life

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Synopsis

Cult classic pairs Cort as a dead-pan disillusioned 20-year-old obsessed with suicide and a lovable Gordon as a fun-loving 80-year-old eccentric. They meet at a funeral, and develop a taboo romantic relationship, in which they explore the tired theme of the meaning of life with a fresh perspective.

Director: Hal Ashby
Producer: Colin Higgins, Charles Mulvehill
Screenwriter: Colin Higgins
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Mildred Lewis and Colin Higgins Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 1, 1971, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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