A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Kernel Score: 93% · 10,901 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 2001-12-14
Runtime: 135 minutes
Is A Beautiful Mind worth watching?
Must-watch. A moving drama about a brilliant mathematician whose mind turns against him, held together by Russell Crowe's performance and a strong love story. It takes liberties with the facts but is deeply affecting.
Watch it if you
- like biographical dramas
- enjoy strong acting
- want a story about genius and mental illness
Skip it if you
- want strict accuracy
- dislike slow, sentimental drama
Best for: Quiet night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch A Beautiful Mind
- Stream: Apple TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
From the heights of notoriety to the depths of depravity, John Forbes Nash Jr. experiences it all. As a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician, he made a groundbreaking discovery early in his career and stands on the brink of international acclaim. But as the handsome and arrogant Nash accepts secret work in cryptography, he becomes entangled in a mysterious conspiracy. His life takes a nightmarish turn and he soon finds himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery.
A Beautiful Mind parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that A Beautiful Mind portrays a mathematician's struggle with schizophrenia and paranoid delusions.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Minimal violence; tension arises mainly from psychological conspiracy delusions rather than physical harm.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A Beautiful Mind
If you liked A Beautiful Mind, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Good Will Hunting (1997) — 88%: Another story of a gifted young man and his troubled mind.
- The Imitation Game (2014) — 89%: Biopic about a brilliant mind under pressure.
- Awakenings (1990) — 88%: Moving hospital drama with strong performances.
- The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016) — 79%: Biopic of a mathematical genius.
- Pi (1998) — 80%: Mathematical obsession pushed to dark places.
- Apollo 13 (1995) — 90%: True story of smart people solving an impossible problem.
Director
Cast
- Russell Crowe as John Nash
- Jennifer Connelly as Alicia Nash
- Ed Harris as William Parcher
- Paul Bettany as Charles Herman
- Christopher Plummer as Dr. Rosen
- Adam Goldberg as Richard Sol
- Josh Lucas as Martin Hansen
- Anthony Rapp as Bender
- Jason Gray-Stanford as Ainsley Neilson
- Judd Hirsch as Helinger
A Beautiful Mind FAQ
Is A Beautiful Mind worth watching?
Must-watch. A moving drama about a brilliant mathematician whose mind turns against him, held together by Russell Crowe's performance and a strong love story. It takes liberties with the facts but is deeply affecting.
Where can I watch A Beautiful Mind?
In the US you can stream A Beautiful Mind on Apple TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A Beautiful Mind OK for kids?
A Beautiful Mind is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that A Beautiful Mind portrays a mathematician's struggle with schizophrenia and paranoid delusions.
What movies are like A Beautiful Mind?
If you liked A Beautiful Mind, try Good Will Hunting, The Imitation Game, Awakenings and The Man Who Knew Infinity.