Autumn Sonata (1978)
Kernel Score: 88% · 684 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Drama
Released: 1978-10-08
Runtime: 93 minutes
Where to watch Autumn Sonata
- Stream: The Criterion Channel, TCM, HBO Max
- Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
After a seven-year absence, Charlotte Andergast travels to Sweden to reunite with her daughter Eva. The pair have a troubled relationship: Charlotte sacrificed the responsibilities of motherhood for a career as a classical pianist. Over an emotional night, the pair reopen the wounds of the past. Charlotte gets another shock when she finds out that her mentally impaired daughter, Helena, is out of the asylum and living with Eva.
Autumn Sonata parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Autumn Sonata is an intense Ingmar Bergman drama about a fractured mother-daughter relationship, with heavy emotional confrontation but no graphic content.
- Violence & scariness: A little — No physical violence; conflict is entirely emotional and verbal, described as intense and depressing.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Autumn Sonata
If you liked Autumn Sonata, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Hamlet (1996) — 81%
- Mr. Church (2016) — 85%
- Cria! (1976) — 85%
- You're Not You (2014) — 85%
- White Oleander (2002) — 78%
- Othello (1951) — 84%
- The Starling (2021) — 76%
- Dancer in the Dark (2000) — 87%
Director
Cast
- Ingrid Bergman as Charlotte
- Liv Ullmann as Eva
- Lena Nyman as Helena
- Halvar Björk as Viktor
- Marianne Aminoff as Charlotte's Private Secretary
- Arne Bang-Hansen as Uncle Otto
- Gunnar Björnstrand as Paul
- Erland Josephson as Josef
- Georg Løkkeberg as Leonardo
- Mimi Pollak as Piano Instructor
Autumn Sonata FAQ
Is Autumn Sonata good?
Autumn Sonata has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 684 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Autumn Sonata?
In the US you can stream Autumn Sonata on The Criterion Channel, TCM and HBO Max and rent it from Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is Autumn Sonata OK for kids?
Autumn Sonata is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Autumn Sonata is an intense Ingmar Bergman drama about a fractured mother-daughter relationship, with heavy emotional confrontation but no graphic content.
What movies are like Autumn Sonata?
If you liked Autumn Sonata, try Hamlet, Mr. Church, Cria! and You're Not You.