The Importance of Being Earnest
“Everybody Loves Ernest... But Nobody's Quite Sure Who He Really Is.”
Two young gentlemen living in 1890s England use the same pseudonym ('Ernest') on the sly, which is fine until they both fall in love with women using that name, which leads to a comedy of mistaken identities.
Where to watch The Importance of Being Earnest in United States
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Spectrum On DemandClick a service to open The Importance of Being Earnest there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is The Importance of Being Earnest streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Kanopy, Hoopla | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| Canada | Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, Hoopla | CosmoGo, Amazon Video |
| Australia | — | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| France | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Spain | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Japan | — | Amazon Video |
About The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest is a 2002 English-language comedy, drama and history film directed by Oliver Parker. The cast is led by Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon. It has a runtime of 1h 37m. Viewers rate it 6.8/10 across 500 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Kanopy, Hoopla.
The Importance of Being Earnest was produced by Ealing Studios, Miramax, and Fragile Films and made in France and United Kingdom. It was released on May 17, 2002, and carries a PG certification. Made on a budget of about $15 million, it went on to gross $17 million worldwide.
- Director
- Oliver Parker
- Writers
- Oliver Parker
- Release date
- May 17, 2002
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Country
- France, United Kingdom
- Budget
- $15 million
- Box office
- $17 million
- Production
- Ealing Studios, Miramax, Fragile Films
The Importance of Being Earnest cast & crew
The Importance of Being Earnest was directed by Oliver Parker and written by Oliver Parker.
The cast features Rupert Everett as Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff, Colin Firth as John “Jack” Worthing, Reese Witherspoon as Cecily Cardew, Judi Dench as Lady Bracknell, Tom Wilkinson as Dr. Chasuble, and Frances O'Connor as Gwendolen Fairfax.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Charlie Mole, cinematography is by Tony Pierce-Roberts, and it was produced by Uri Fruchtmann and Barnaby Thompson.
Is The Importance of Being Earnest worth watching?
The Importance of Being Earnest holds an audience score of 6.8/10 from 508 ratings, a solidly received comedy films.
At 1h 37m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy comedy, drama, and history, The Importance of Being Earnest is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Importance of Being Earnest
In United States, you can stream The Importance of Being Earnest on Kanopy and Hoopla, 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.
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Cast of The Importance of Being Earnest
Rupert Everett
Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff
Colin Firth
John “Jack” Worthing
Reese Witherspoon
Cecily Cardew
Judi Dench
Lady Bracknell
Tom Wilkinson
Dr. Chasuble
Frances O'Connor
Gwendolen Fairfax
Anna Massey
Miss Laetitia Prism
Edward Fox
Lane
Patrick Godfrey
Merriman
Charles Kay
Gribsby
Marsha Fitzalan
Dowager
Cyril Shaps
Pew Opener
The Importance of Being Earnest — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Importance of Being Earnest in United States?
The Importance of Being Earnest is streaming on Kanopy, Hoopla in United States.
▸Is The Importance of Being Earnest on Kanopy?
Yes — The Importance of Being Earnest is currently available on Kanopy in United States.
▸What language is The Importance of Being Earnest in?
The Importance of Being Earnest is originally in English, with audio tracks including German, English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Importance of Being Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest runs 1 hours 37 minutes (97 minutes).
▸What is The Importance of Being Earnest rated?
The Importance of Being Earnest is rated PG. It holds a 6.8/10 audience score from 508 ratings.
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