Brief Encounter
“A story of the most precious moments in a woman's life!”
Returning home from a shopping trip to a nearby town, bored suburban housewife Laura Jesson is thrown by happenstance into an acquaintance with virtuous doctor Alec Harvey. Their casual friendship soon develops during their weekly visits into something more emotionally fulfilling than either expected, and they must wrestle with the potential havoc their deepening relationship would have on their lives and the lives of those they love.
Where to watch Brief Encounter in United States
HBO Max Amazon Channel
YouTube TV
Criterion Channel
FlixFling
HBO Max
The Roku Channel
Pluto TV
Shout! Factory TV
Plex
Xumo Play
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Brief Encounter there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Brief Encounter streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, FlixFling | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Canada | Criterion Channel, FlixFling, Plex | Apple TV Store, FlixFling |
| Australia | SBS On Demand | Apple TV Store |
| France | Molotov TV | Apple TV Store |
| Spain | Amazon Prime Video, Movistar Plus+, Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total , Filmin | — |
| Brazil | Looke, Belas Artes à La Carte, NetMovies | — |
| Japan | Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Video, FOD |
| South Korea | wavve, Watcha, TVING | wavve, Google Play Movies |
About Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter is a 1945 English-language drama and romance film directed by David Lean. The cast is led by Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway. It has a runtime of 1h 26m. Viewers rate it 7.7/10 across 700 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel.
Brief Encounter was produced by Cineguild and J. Arthur Rank Organisation and made in United Kingdom. It was released on November 24, 1945, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- David Lean
- Writers
- Noël Coward
- Release date
- November 24, 1945
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Budget
- $1 million
- Production
- Cineguild, J. Arthur Rank Organisation
Brief Encounter cast & crew
Brief Encounter was directed by David Lean and written by Noël Coward.
The cast features Celia Johnson as Laura Jesson, Trevor Howard as Dr. Alec Harvey, Stanley Holloway as Albert Godby, Joyce Carey as Myrtle Bagot, Cyril Raymond as Fred Jesson, and Everley Gregg as Dolly Messiter.
Behind the camera, cinematography is by Robert Krasker and it was produced by Ronald Neame and Anthony Havelock-Allan.
Is Brief Encounter worth watching?
Brief Encounter holds an audience score of 7.7/10 from 703 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 1h 26m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy drama and romance, Brief Encounter is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Brief Encounter
In United States, you can stream Brief Encounter on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, FlixFling, and HBO Max, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, and FlixFling. Click any service above to open it directly.
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.
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Cast of Brief Encounter
Celia Johnson
Laura Jesson
Trevor Howard
Dr. Alec Harvey
Stanley Holloway
Albert Godby
Joyce Carey
Myrtle Bagot
Cyril Raymond
Fred Jesson
Everley Gregg
Dolly Messiter
Marjorie Mars
Mary Norton
Margaret Barton
Tea Room Assistant Beryl Walters
Wilfred Babbage
Policeman at War Memorial (uncredited)
Alfie Bass
Waiter at the Royal (uncredited)
Wallace Bosco
Doctor After Bobbie's Accident (uncredited)
Sydney Bromley
Johnnie, the Second Soldier (uncredited)
Brief Encounter — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Brief Encounter in United States?
Brief Encounter is streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, FlixFling in United States.
▸Is Brief Encounter on HBO Max Amazon Channel?
Yes — Brief Encounter is currently available on HBO Max Amazon Channel in United States.
▸What language is Brief Encounter in?
Brief Encounter is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Brief Encounter?
Brief Encounter runs 1 hours 26 minutes (86 minutes).
▸What is Brief Encounter rated?
Brief Encounter is rated NR. It holds a 7.7/10 audience score from 703 ratings.
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