The Best of Me

2014, Romance/Drama, 1h 58m

83 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

At nine films and counting, the line between Nicholas Sparks film fans and detractors is clear, and The Best of Me will change few minds on either side of the divide. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

Amanda (Michelle Monaghan) and Dawson (James Marsden) were once high-school sweethearts. They have a bittersweet reunion when they return to their hometown for the funeral of a mutual, beloved friend. Seeing each other again after 20 years apart reignites the love they've never forgotten, but Amanda and Dawson soon discover that the forces that drove them apart when they were younger pose even more threats today. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.

Cast & Crew

Michelle Monaghan
Amanda
James Marsden
Dawson
Luke Bracey
Younger Dawson
Liana Liberato
Young Amanda
Gerald McRaney
Tuck
Caroline Goodall
Evelyn
Clarke Peters
Morgan Dupree
Sebastian Arcelus
Frank Reynolds
Jon Tenney
Harvey Collier
Sean Bridgers
Tommy Cole
Rob Mello
Ted Cole
Hunter Burke
Abee
Robby Rasmussen
Bobby, Aaron
Caroline Hebert
Young April
Ian Nelson
Jared
Schuyler Fisk
April
Douglas M. Griffin
Jack
Michael Hoffman
Director
J. Mills Goodloe
Screenwriter
Will Fetters
Screenwriter
Michael Fetters
Screenwriter
Denise Di Novi
Producer
Alison Greenspan
Producer
Nicholas Sparks
Producer
Ryan Kavanaugh
Producer
Theresa Park
Producer
Tucker Tooley
Executive Producer
Robbie Brenner
Executive Producer
Ron Burkle
Executive Producer
Jason Colbeck
Executive Producer
Oliver Stapleton
Cinematographer
Patrizia von Brandenstein
Production Design
Matt Chesse
Film Editing
Aaron Zigman
Original Music
Ruth E. Carter
Costume Design
Ronna Kress
Casting
Raymond Pumilia
Art Director
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Critic Reviews for The Best of Me

All Critics (83) | Top Critics (35) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (73)
Full Review… Evan Williams The Australian Full Review… Philippa Hawker The Age (Australia) Full Review… Scott Tobias The Dissolve Full Review… Donald Clarke Irish Times Full Review… Mark Kermode Observer (UK) Full Review… Kimber Myers The Playlist Full Review… Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) Full Review… Andrew Galdi Movie Bitches Full Review… Avaryl Halley Movie Bitches Full Review… Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Full Review… Sergio F. Pinilla Cinemanía (Spain) Full Review… Mae Abdulbaki Punch Drunk Critics
View All Critic Reviews (83)

Audience Reviews for The Best of Me

  • May 30, 2016
    Oh please. My eyes have almost rolled out of my head over this one.
    Nicki M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 22, 2015
    Exactly what you would expect from a Nicholas Sparks book adaptation. I found the whole story wholly unbelievable, especially the ending.
    Ian W Super Reviewer
  • Oct 18, 2014
    It's not a film I hated, instead it uncovered a whole new level of disbelief that a film can be this terrible.
    Marcus W Super Reviewer
  • Oct 09, 2014
    The film will have the occasional charm and drama to please audiences, but is virtually a clichéd attempt at another romantic novel adaptation. The Best of Me presents anything and everything you come to expect from a Nicholas Sparks story, but it's ultimately brought down from a poor execution and bland script. 2.5/5
    Eugene B Super Reviewer
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