Before Sunset (2004)

Kernel Score: 87% · 3,718 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Drama, Romance

Released: 2004-06-16

Runtime: 80 minutes

Is Before Sunset worth watching?

Must-watch. Nine years after a night in Vienna, two people meet again in Paris and walk and talk until sunset. It's short, real-time and beautifully written, and the ending is perfect.

Watch it if you

  • like dialogue-driven romance
  • enjoy films that feel real
  • saw Before Sunrise and wondered what happened next

Skip it if you

  • haven't seen the first film; start there
  • need plot or action

Best for: Quiet romantic evening

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Before Sunset

  • 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

Nine years later, Jesse travels across Europe giving readings from a book he wrote about the night he spent in Vienna with Celine. After his reading in Paris, Celine finds him, and they spend part of the day together before Jesse has to again leave for a flight. They are both in relationships now, and Jesse has a son, but as their strong feelings for each other start to return, both confess a longing for more.

Before Sunset parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Before Sunset is a talky romantic drama for adults involving infidelity themes, rated R.

  • Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Involves romantic longing and implied infidelity between two people now in other relationships.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Before Sunset

If you liked Before Sunset, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Before Sunrise (1995) — 89%: The first film; watch it first if you haven't.
  • Before Midnight (2013) — 86%: The third chapter, older and more honest.
  • Boyhood (2014) — 84%: Linklater's patient, true-to-life storytelling across time.
  • Waking Life (2001) — 85%: Linklater's talky, dreamlike film about ideas.
  • Once (2007) — 82%: A small, musical love story built on conversation.
  • Her (2013) — 94%: A thoughtful romance about connection.

Director

Richard Linklater

Cast

  • Ethan Hawke as Jesse
  • Julie Delpy as Céline
  • Vernon Dobtcheff as Bookstore Manager
  • Louise Lemoine Torrès as Journalist #1
  • Rodolphe Pauly as Journalist #2
  • Mariane Plasteig as Waitress
  • Diabolo as Philippe
  • Denis Evrard as Boat Attendant
  • Albert Delpy as Man at Grill
  • Marie Pillet as Woman in Courtyard

Before Sunset FAQ

Is Before Sunset worth watching?

Must-watch. Nine years after a night in Vienna, two people meet again in Paris and walk and talk until sunset. It's short, real-time and beautifully written, and the ending is perfect.

Where can I watch Before Sunset?

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 Sunset OK for kids?

Before Sunset is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Before Sunset is a talky romantic drama for adults involving infidelity themes, rated R.

What movies are like Before Sunset?

If you liked Before Sunset, try Before Sunrise, Before Midnight, Boyhood and Waking Life.