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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Gavin R

@gricd 3d

9.8 out of 10 amazing

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Thomas H

@TLHadley Jun 28

Wow. Performances across the board are fantastic. The music used throughout is beautiful. Matt Damon and Robin Williams are the standouts in this film. It’s no wonder Matt Damon became a star. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote a compelling story that feels real, except I do feel like Ben Affleck’s character feels a bit animated and unrealistic. Minnie Driver as the love interest is wonderful, especially during a specific emotional scene. This film does a great job talking on themes such as suffering and mental health.

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Oliver A.

@Andersen Jun 19

Definitely a good watch and recommend. Acting is great and the idea of a hidden genius is a great idea for a movie. I didn’t enjoy all of the plot though as I wasn’t a big fan of the ending.

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Tristan B

@tristan3 Jun 17

[BOT] Rewatched recently and it still holds up.

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Teja J

@RT30857604 Jun 14

Heartbreakingly beautiful

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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