Good Will Hunting (1997)
Kernel Score: 88% · 13,587 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1997-12-05
Runtime: 127 minutes
Is Good Will Hunting worth watching?
Must-watch. A janitor who is also a maths genius is pushed towards therapy by a grieving counsellor. It's funny and moving, with Robin Williams's quiet scenes the highlight.
Watch it if you
- like warm character dramas
- enjoy a good mentor story
- want something moving and funny
Skip it if you
- want a fast plot
- dislike strong language
Best for: Quiet night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Good Will Hunting
- Stream: Apple TV, Paramount+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who is failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him.
Good Will Hunting parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Good Will Hunting is an R-rated drama with strong language, references to child abuse, and depictions of fighting and anti-social behavior.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes bar fights and references to past child abuse; R rated.
- Language: Strong — Contains frequent strong profanity typical of an R-rated 1990s drama.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Good Will Hunting
If you liked Good Will Hunting, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dead Poets Society (1989) — 91%: Inspiring teacher story
- A Beautiful Mind (2001) — 93%: Genius mind and its struggles
- Finding Forrester (2000) — 80%: Mentor and gifted young man
- The Social Network (2010) — 88%: Sharp story about a young genius
- Manchester by the Sea (2016) — 84%: Grief-driven drama
- Stand and Deliver (1988) — 87%: Teacher who believes in his students
Director
Cast
- Matt Damon as Will Hunting
- Robin Williams as Sean Maguire
- Ben Affleck as Chuckie Sullivan
- Stellan Skarsgård as Gerald Lambeau
- Minnie Driver as Skylar
- Casey Affleck as Morgan O'Mally
- Cole Hauser as Billy McBride
- Vik Sahay as MIT Student
- John Mighton as Tom
- Rachel Majorowski as Krystyn
Good Will Hunting FAQ
Is Good Will Hunting worth watching?
Must-watch. A janitor who is also a maths genius is pushed towards therapy by a grieving counsellor. It's funny and moving, with Robin Williams's quiet scenes the highlight.
Where can I watch Good Will Hunting?
In the US you can stream Good Will Hunting on Apple TV and Paramount+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and YouTube Free and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Good Will Hunting OK for kids?
Good Will Hunting is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Good Will Hunting is an R-rated drama with strong language, references to child abuse, and depictions of fighting and anti-social behavior.
What movies are like Good Will Hunting?
If you liked Good Will Hunting, try Dead Poets Society, A Beautiful Mind, Finding Forrester and The Social Network.