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Trailer

The Lion in Winter

1968Movie2 h 14 minPG

DramaHistory
85
ExcellentGoodWatch score
IMDb7.8Rotten Tomatoes91%90%

A gripping, intricate drama movie about history and politics, with standout performances and dialogue.

Good for date night · friends night · teens

Skip it if you want fast pacing · you want to half-watch while scrolling

Where to watch

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Not for laughs, comfort or scares.

Movies with

Story

What family doesn't have its ups and downs?

Christmas 1183, Angevin Empire: King Henry II plans to announce his successor to the throne. Jockeying for the crown, though, is complex. Henry has three sons and wants his boy Prince John to take over. Henry's wife, Queen Eleanor, believes their son Prince Richard should be king. As family and various schemers gather for the holiday, each tries to make the indecisive king choose their option.

Feels like

  • Historical Drama
  • Royal Family Conflict
  • Political Intrigue
  • Power Struggles
  • Sharp Dialogue
  • Excellent Performances
  • Medieval England
  • Complex Characters
  • Family Dysfunction

Cast

11 of 11

Crew

Directed by
Anthony Harvey
Written by
James Goldman
Produced by
Martin Poll
Music by
John Barry, John Scott

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

August 20, 1968 · 2 h 14 min · PG

Released
August 20, 1968
Runtime
2 h 14 min
Age rating
PG
Content
Strong Language
Genres
Drama, History
Original language
English
Made in
United Kingdom
Budget
$4 million
Box office
$22 million
Available in
36 countries

Tropes

One-Liner, Batman Gambit, Dysfunctional Family +9

  • One-Liner
  • Batman Gambit
  • Dysfunctional Family
  • Sibling Rivalry
  • Love Triangle
  • Unwitting Pawn
  • Cue the Flying Pigs
  • Depraved Bisexual
  • Beware the Nice Ones
  • If I Can't Have You…
  • Here We Go Again!
  • Anguished Declaration of Love

12 of 126 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream The Lion in Winter?"

Questions about The Lion in Winter

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Lion in Winter?

KanopyPlexLionsgate+BFI PlayerTubi TVHowdy

In the United States, The Lion in Winter streams on Lionsgate+, BFI Player, and Howdy, and it is free with ads on Kanopy, Plex, and Tubi TV. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 29 other countries.

Is The Lion in Winter worth watching?

85
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85 (IMDb 7.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 91%).

Is The Lion in Winter okay for kids?

PGStrong language

Not for young kids: it's rated PG in the United States for strong language, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Can I half-watch The Lion in Winter?

Easy watchDemanding

No, it needs your attention: the title analysis rates it 9 of 10 for complexity and 7 for philosophical.

Was The Lion in Winter a box office hit?

Budget$4 million
Box office$22 million

Yes, a big one: it cost about $4 million to make and earned $22 million worldwide, 5.6 times its budget.

What tropes does The Lion in Winter use?

One-LinerBatman GambitDysfunctional FamilySibling RivalryLove TriangleUnwitting PawnCue the Flying PigsDepraved BisexualBeware the Nice OnesIf I Can't Have You…Here We Go Again!Anguished Declaration of Loveand 114 more

TV Tropes lists 126 tropes for it, including One-Liner, Batman Gambit, and Dysfunctional Family.