Meantime
A working-class family in London's East End is struggling to stay afloat during the recession under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's premiership. Only the mother Mavis is working; father Frank and the couple's two sons Colin, a timid, chronically shy individual and Mark, an outspoken, headstrong young man, are on the dole. This situation is contrasted by the presence of Mavis's sister Barbara, and her husband John, whose financial and social loftiness appears to be a comfortable facade over the unspoken soreness of a lackluster marriage.
Where to watch Meantime in United States
Criterion Channel
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Meantime there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Meantime streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
About Meantime
Meantime is a 1983 English-language drama, comedy and tv movie film directed by Mike Leigh. The cast is led by Phil Daniels, Tim Roth, Jeffrey Robert. It has a runtime of 1h 47m. Viewers rate it 6.7/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.
Meantime was produced by Central Independent Television and made in United Kingdom. It was released on October 16, 1983, and carries a 15 certification.
- Director
- Mike Leigh
- Writers
- Mike Leigh
- Release date
- October 16, 1983
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- 15
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Production
- Central Independent Television
Meantime cast & crew
Meantime was directed by Mike Leigh and written by Mike Leigh.
The cast features Phil Daniels as Mark, Tim Roth as Colin, Jeffrey Robert as Frank, Pam Ferris as Mavis, Gary Oldman as Coxy, and Marion Bailey as Barbara.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Andrew Dickson, cinematography is by Roger Pratt, and it was produced by Graham Benson.
Is Meantime worth watching?
Meantime holds an audience score of 6.7/10 from 107 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 1h 47m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama, comedy, and tv movie, Meantime is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Meantime
In United States, you can stream Meantime on Criterion Channel, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. 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.
Rate & review
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Cast of Meantime
Phil Daniels
Mark
Tim Roth
Colin
Jeffrey Robert
Frank
Pam Ferris
Mavis
Gary Oldman
Coxy
Marion Bailey
Barbara
Alfred Molina
John
Tilly Vosburgh
Haley
Leila Bertrand
Hayley's Friend
Hepburn Graham
Boyfriend
Peter Wight
Estate Manager
Eileen Davies
Unemployment Benefit Clerk
Meantime — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Meantime in United States?
Meantime is streaming on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is Meantime on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Meantime is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Meantime in?
Meantime is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Meantime?
Meantime runs 1 hours 47 minutes (107 minutes).
▸What is Meantime rated?
Meantime is rated 15. It holds a 6.7/10 audience score from 107 ratings.
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