Meet Joe Black (1998)
Kernel Score: 85% · 5,653 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Released: 1998-11-12
Runtime: 178 minutes
Is Meet Joe Black worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A long, slow, romantic fantasy in which Death takes human form to learn about living. It's elegant and sincere, and Anthony Hopkins is strong. At close to three hours, it asks for patience many viewers won't have.
Watch it if you
- like slow, reflective romantic dramas
- enjoy stories about mortality
- have a long evening free
Skip it if you
- dislike films over three hours
- want pace or humour
Best for: Long, quiet evening
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Meet Joe Black
- Stream: Prime Video
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Bill Parrish has it all - success, wealth and power. Days before his 65th birthday, he receives a visit from a mysterious stranger, Joe Black, who soon reveals himself as Death. In exchange for extra time, Bill agrees to serve as Joe's earthly guide. But will he regret his choice when Joe unexpectedly falls in love with Bill's beautiful daughter Susan?
Meet Joe Black parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Meet Joe Black is a PG-13 fantasy drama about Death taking human form, involving a romance and philosophical reflection on mortality.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — A romantic relationship develops between Death (in human form) and a young woman; PG-13 level romantic content.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Meet Joe Black
If you liked Meet Joe Black, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Ghost (1990) — 82%: Romance across the line between life and death.
- What Dreams May Come (1998) — 81%: Emotional fantasy about love beyond death.
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) — 86%: Long, sad romance about time and mortality.
- About Time (2013) — 89%: Warm romance about making the most of time.
- The Seventh Seal (1957) — 89%: The classic about a man playing chess with Death.
- The Age of Adaline (2015) — 84%: Romantic fantasy about time and loss.
Director
Cast
- Brad Pitt as Joe Black / Young Man in Coffee Shop
- Anthony Hopkins as William Parrish
- Claire Forlani as Susan Parrish
- Jake Weber as Drew
- Marcia Gay Harden as Allison
- Jeffrey Tambor as Quince
- David S. Howard as Eddie Sloane
- Lois Kelly-Miller as Jamaican Woman
- Jahnni St. John as Jamaican Woman's Daughter
- Richard Clarke as Butler
Meet Joe Black FAQ
Is Meet Joe Black worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A long, slow, romantic fantasy in which Death takes human form to learn about living. It's elegant and sincere, and Anthony Hopkins is strong. At close to three hours, it asks for patience many viewers won't have.
Where can I watch Meet Joe Black?
In the US you can stream Meet Joe Black on Prime Video and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Meet Joe Black OK for kids?
Meet Joe Black is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Meet Joe Black is a PG-13 fantasy drama about Death taking human form, involving a romance and philosophical reflection on mortality.
What movies are like Meet Joe Black?
If you liked Meet Joe Black, try Ghost, What Dreams May Come, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and About Time.