Awakenings (1990)
Kernel Score: 88% · 2,809 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 1990-12-04
Runtime: 120 minutes
Is Awakenings worth watching?
Worth watching. A moving true-story drama about a doctor who briefly wakes patients from decades of paralysis. Robert De Niro and Robin Williams are excellent, and the film earns its tears without overdoing the schmaltz.
Watch it if you
- like medical dramas with heart
- enjoy big performances from great actors
- want an uplifting but bittersweet story
Skip it if you
- dislike emotionally manipulative stories
- want fast pacing
Best for: Quiet night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Awakenings
- Free with ads: Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
Awakenings parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Awakenings is a PG-13 medical drama based on a true story about patients revived from catatonic states.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Awakenings
If you liked Awakenings, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) — 93%: Classic hospital drama about patients and the system around them.
- Patch Adams (1998) — 84%: Warm medical drama led by Robin Williams.
- Something the Lord Made (2004) — 87%: True-story medical drama about patience, partnership and hope.
- Brain on Fire (2017) — 79%: Real-life mystery illness that changes a patient's life.
- Talk to Her (2002) — 87%: Delicate drama about devotion to patients in comas.
- Big (1988) — 85%: Humane, heartfelt Penny Marshall comedy-drama with a wondrous premise.
Director
Cast
- Robert De Niro as Leonard Lowe
- Robin Williams as Malcolm Sayer
- John Heard as Dr. Kaufman
- Julie Kavner as Eleanor Costello
- Penelope Ann Miller as Paula
- Ruth Nelson as Mrs. Lowe
- Max von Sydow as Peter Ingham
- Anne Meara as Miriam
- Dexter Gordon as Rolando
- George Martin as Frank
Awakenings FAQ
Is Awakenings worth watching?
Worth watching. A moving true-story drama about a doctor who briefly wakes patients from decades of paralysis. Robert De Niro and Robin Williams are excellent, and the film earns its tears without overdoing the schmaltz.
Where can I watch Awakenings?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Awakenings OK for kids?
Awakenings is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Awakenings is a PG-13 medical drama based on a true story about patients revived from catatonic states.
What movies are like Awakenings?
If you liked Awakenings, try One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Patch Adams, Something the Lord Made and Brain on Fire.