Before Sunrise (1995)
Kernel Score: 89% · 4,578 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 1995-01-27
Runtime: 101 minutes
Is Before Sunrise worth watching?
Must-watch. Two strangers talk through one night in Vienna, and that's the whole film. It's funny, tender and wise, and the conversations feel natural, never scripted.
Watch it if you
- love dialogue-driven films
- enjoy romantic stories that feel real
- like walking-and-talking cinema
Skip it if you
- want plot or action
- dislike talky films
Best for: Date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Before Sunrise
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An unexpected meeting on a train leads two travelers to spend an evening wandering through Vienna. As the night unfolds, they share stories and conversations about life and love, exploring new ideas while a quiet intimacy grows between them, knowing it may be their only night together.
Before Sunrise parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Before Sunrise is an R-rated romantic drama about two strangers spending a night talking and falling for each other in Vienna, with mature romantic themes but little explicit content.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Implied romantic intimacy between the two leads as their connection deepens over one night.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Before Sunrise
If you liked Before Sunrise, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Before Sunset (2004) — 87%: The direct sequel, nine years later
- Before Midnight (2013) — 86%: The third chapter of the story
- Boyhood (2014) — 84%: Same director's patient, true-to-life drama
- Waking Life (2001) — 85%: Same director, a dreamy talk-fest
- Dazed and Confused (1993) — 83%: Same director's easy hangout movie
- Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948) — 86%: Romantic classic about missed chances
Director
Cast
- Ethan Hawke as Jesse
- Julie Delpy as Céline
- Andrea Eckert as Wife on Train
- Hanno Pöschl as Husband on Train
- Karl Bruckschwaiger as Guy on Bridge
- Tex Rubinowitz as Guy on Bridge
- Erni Mangold as Palm Reader
- Dominik Castell as Street Poet
- Haymon Maria Buttinger as Bartender
- Harold Waiglein as Guitarist in Club
Before Sunrise FAQ
Is Before Sunrise worth watching?
Must-watch. Two strangers talk through one night in Vienna, and that's the whole film. It's funny, tender and wise, and the conversations feel natural, never scripted.
Where can I watch Before Sunrise?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Before Sunrise OK for kids?
Before Sunrise is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Before Sunrise is an R-rated romantic drama about two strangers spending a night talking and falling for each other in Vienna, with mature romantic themes but little explicit content.
What movies are like Before Sunrise?
If you liked Before Sunrise, try Before Sunset, Before Midnight, Boyhood and Waking Life.