The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Kernel Score: 86% · 2,326 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 1995-06-02
Runtime: 135 minutes
Is The Bridges of Madison County worth watching?
Worth watching. A quiet, adult romance between a lonely farm wife and a travelling photographer over four days. Streep and Eastwood are excellent and the pacing is deliberate, so it rewards patience.
Watch it if you
- like grown-up, slow-moving romances
- enjoy strong lead performances
- want something emotional but restrained
Skip it if you
- want fast-moving plot
- dislike stories about infidelity
Best for: Quiet date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Bridges of Madison County
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Photographer Robert Kincaid wanders into the life of housewife Francesca Johnson for four days in the 1960s.
The Bridges of Madison County parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this PG-13 romantic drama centers on a married woman's four-day affair with a traveling photographer.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — The plot centers on an extramarital affair between a housewife and a photographer, per the overview and reviews.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Bridges of Madison County
If you liked The Bridges of Madison County, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- In the Mood for Love (2000) — 91%: Restrained, achingly romantic story of a forbidden connection.
- Lost in Translation (2003) — 85%: Quiet, wistful connection between two lonely people.
- Revolutionary Road (2008) — 79%: Intense drama about love and a stifling marriage.
- The Notebook (2004) — 88%: Sweeping romance about a love that lasts.
- One Day (2011) — 83%: Love story spanning many years of missed chances.
- Gran Torino (2008) — 89%: Another Eastwood film with a restrained, reflective tone.
Director
Cast
- Meryl Streep as Francesca Johnson
- Clint Eastwood as Robert Kincaid
- Annie Corley as Caroline Johnson
- Victor Slezak as Michael Johnson
- Jim Haynie as Richard Johnson
- Sarah Zahn as Young Carolyn
- Christopher Kroon as Young Michael
- Phyllis Lyons as Betty
- Debra Monk as Madge
- Richard Lage as Lawyer Peterson
The Bridges of Madison County FAQ
Is The Bridges of Madison County worth watching?
Worth watching. A quiet, adult romance between a lonely farm wife and a travelling photographer over four days. Streep and Eastwood are excellent and the pacing is deliberate, so it rewards patience.
Where can I watch The Bridges of Madison County?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Bridges of Madison County OK for kids?
The Bridges of Madison County is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this PG-13 romantic drama centers on a married woman's four-day affair with a traveling photographer.
What movies are like The Bridges of Madison County?
If you liked The Bridges of Madison County, try In the Mood for Love, Lost in Translation, Revolutionary Road and The Notebook.