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Awakenings
CAST & DIRECTOR
Directed by Penny Marshall. With Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard.
77.9/100
TMDB RATINGWHAT IT'S ABOUT
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
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77.9/100
TMDB RATINGYOUR WATCHLISTDr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the…
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RELEASE SNAPSHOT
Release snapshot for Awakenings.
MoviHero lists December 4, 1990 as the release date for Awakenings. Penny Marshall is the listed director. The listed cast includes Robert De Niro as Leonard Lowe, Robin Williams as Malcolm Sayer, John Heard as Dr. Kaufman, Julie Kavner as Eleanor Costello. A trailer and 5 stills are available on this page.
Release dateDecember 4, 1990
GenresDrama
Runtime2h
DirectorPenny Marshall
CastRobert De Niro as Leonard Lowe, Robin Williams as Malcolm Sayer, John Heard as Dr. Kaufman, Julie Kavner as Eleanor Costello
TrailerAvailable on this page
Images5 stills
BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY
Is Awakenings right for tonight?
Pacing, attention and emotional impact are estimates from the current MoviHero Watch Profile, not verified scene-by-scene reviews.
How much time should I set aside?
Awakenings runs 2h. Allow extra time for breaks.
Is it slow or fast?
The current MoviHero pacing estimate is 4/10: a more patient pace.
Is it a good choice when I am tired?
The attention estimate is 5/10. Expect to follow the story rather than use it as background viewing.
How emotionally intense is it?
The emotional-impact estimate is 5/10, suggesting a moderate emotional load. This does not tell you whether the ending is happy or sad.
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These share a listed genre with Awakenings. Profile differences are estimates, not a guarantee of the same story or mood.
RATING & SOURCE
TMDB audience rating
TMDB: 77.9/100 (7.785/10) from 2,986 votes. Updated Oct 16, 2026.
External ratings are converted directly to /100. We add no popularity, metadata or Watch Profile bonuses. MoviHero audience ratings are calculated separately from numerical ratings submitted here.
MOVIHERO AUDIENCE RATING
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WHAT WATCHING IT FEELS LIKE
Watch Profile
Seven estimates of the viewing experience, based on the stored Watch Profile. These are separate from the movie rating and are not verified scene-by-scene assessments.
Pacing4/10
Emotional Impact5/10
Mind-Bending2/10
Scary1/10
Violence2/10
Rewatchability6/10
Attention Required5/10
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Trailer
A CLOSER LOOK
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CAST & CREW
The people who make it land.
CHARACTERS IN THIS MOVIE
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Reviewed MoviHero character guides connected to this movie.
SIMILAR GENRES & STORY THEMES
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