Defending Your Life
“The first true story of what happens after you die.”
Is there love after death? After he dies suddenly, the hapless advertising executive Daniel Miller finds himself in Judgment City, a gleaming way station where the newly deceased must prove they lived a life of sufficient courage to advance in their journey through the universe. As the self-doubting Daniel struggles to make his case, a budding relationship with the uninhibited Julia offers him a chance to finally feel alive.
Where to watch Defending Your Life in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Defending Your Life there. Availability last verified on July 12, 2026.
Where is Defending Your Life streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| India | — | Amazon Video |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Canada | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| France | Molotov TV | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Spain | Filmin | Amazon Video |
| Brazil | Looke, Looke Amazon Channel, NetMovies | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Japan | HBO Max on U-Next | — |
About Defending Your Life
Defending Your Life is a 1991 English-language romance, fantasy and comedy film directed by Albert Brooks. The cast is led by Albert Brooks, Meryl Streep, Rip Torn. It has a runtime of 1h 51m. Viewers rate it 6.9/10 across 300 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Defending Your Life was produced by Geffen Pictures and made in United States of America. It was released on March 22, 1991, and carries a PG certification. Made on a budget of about $20 million, it went on to gross $16 million worldwide.
- Director
- Albert Brooks
- Writers
- Albert Brooks
- Release date
- March 22, 1991
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $20 million
- Box office
- $16 million
- Production
- Geffen Pictures
Defending Your Life cast & crew
Defending Your Life was directed by Albert Brooks and written by Albert Brooks.
The cast features Albert Brooks as Daniel Miller, Meryl Streep as Julia, Rip Torn as Bob Diamond, Lee Grant as Lena Foster, Michael Durrell as Agency Head, and James Eckhouse as Jeep Owner.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Michael Gore, cinematography is by Allen Daviau, and it was produced by Michael Grillo and Herb Nanas.
Is Defending Your Life worth watching?
Defending Your Life holds an audience score of 6.9/10 from 312 ratings, a solidly received romance films.
At 1h 51m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy romance, fantasy, and comedy, Defending Your Life is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Defending Your Life
Defending Your Life 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
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Cast of Defending Your Life
Albert Brooks
Daniel Miller
Meryl Streep
Julia
Rip Torn
Bob Diamond
Lee Grant
Lena Foster
Michael Durrell
Agency Head
James Eckhouse
Jeep Owner
Gary Beach
Car Salesman
Julie Cobb
Tram Guide
Peter Schuck
Stan
Time Winters
Porter
Sharlie Stuart
Susan
Beth Black
Soap Opera Woman
Defending Your Life — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Defending Your Life in United States?
Defending Your Life 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 Defending Your Life in?
Defending Your Life is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, Japanese. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Defending Your Life?
Defending Your Life runs 1 hours 51 minutes (111 minutes).
▸What is Defending Your Life rated?
Defending Your Life is rated PG. It holds a 6.9/10 audience score from 312 ratings.
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