Awakenings
“There is no such thing as a simple miracle.”
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.
Where to watch Awakenings in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Awakenings there. Availability last verified on July 11, 2026.
Where is Awakenings streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| India | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Canada | Crave, Starz Amazon Channel, Crave Amazon Channel | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| France | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Canal VOD |
| Spain | Movistar Plus+, Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies |
| Brazil | — | Claro video, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Japan | U-NEXT | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
About Awakenings
Awakenings is a 1990 English-language drama film directed by Penny Marshall. The cast is led by Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard. It has a runtime of 2h 0m. Viewers rate it 7.8/10 across 2900 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Awakenings was produced by Parkes/Lasker productions and made in United States of America. It was released on December 4, 1990, and carries a PG-13 certification. Made on a budget of about $31 million, it went on to gross $52 million worldwide.
- Director
- Penny Marshall
- Writers
- Steven Zaillian
- Release date
- December 4, 1990
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $31 million
- Box office
- $52 million
- Production
- Parkes/Lasker productions
Awakenings cast & crew
Awakenings was directed by Penny Marshall and written by Steven Zaillian.
The cast features Robert De Niro as Leonard Lowe, Robin Williams as Malcolm Sayer, John Heard as Dr. Kaufman, Julie Kavner as Eleanor Costello, Penelope Ann Miller as Paula, and Ruth Nelson as Mrs. Lowe.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Randy Newman, cinematography is by Miroslav Ondříček, and it was produced by Lawrence Lasker and Walter F. Parkes.
Is Awakenings worth watching?
Awakenings holds an audience score of 7.8/10 from 2,884 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 2h 0m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama, Awakenings is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Awakenings
Awakenings isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
Your rating and review are saved privately in this browser — no account needed.
Cast of Awakenings
Robert De Niro
Leonard Lowe
Robin Williams
Malcolm Sayer
John Heard
Dr. Kaufman
Julie Kavner
Eleanor Costello
Penelope Ann Miller
Paula
Ruth Nelson
Mrs. Lowe
Max von Sydow
Peter Ingham
Anne Meara
Miriam
Dexter Gordon
Rolando
George Martin
Frank
Alice Drummond
Lucy Fishman
Richard Libertini
Sidney
Awakenings — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Awakenings in United States?
Awakenings is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.
▸What language is Awakenings in?
Awakenings is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Awakenings?
Awakenings runs 2 hours 0 minutes (120 minutes).
▸What is Awakenings rated?
Awakenings is rated PG-13. It holds a 7.8/10 audience score from 2,884 ratings.
More like Awakenings
