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A River Runs Through It

1992·Movie
2h 3min·PG

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

A River Runs Through It fingerprint

Big heart, strong craft, no humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Spectacle4
  • Tension3
  • Adrenaline2

Heart

Deeply moving and melancholic

Much of it is about family and growing up.

  • Family Dynamics10
  • Pathos9
  • Coming of Age9

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy0
  • Physical Comedy0

World

Family, growing up, and a real life story

Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.

  • World Immersion9
  • Rewatchability8
  • Dialogue Centrality7

Craft

Standout characters, direction, and performances

  • Character Depth9
  • Direction8
  • Acting8

Style

Standout cinematography, score, and sound design

  • Cinematography10
  • Music Composition8
  • Sound Centrality8

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want fast pacing

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Nothing perfect lasts forever. Except in our memories.

The Maclean brothers, Paul and Norman, live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The sons of a minister, the boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings resume their fishing outings, and assess where they've been and where they're going.
Reflective Family DramaComing-of-Age TaleMelancholic & PoignantNature-Centric StoryAmerican West SettingPhilosophical ContemplationBrotherhood & LossVisually StunningQuiet & IntrospectiveMemoir Adaptation

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about A River Runs Through It

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream A River Runs Through It legally?

You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is A River Runs Through It worth watching?

73
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 80%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is A River Runs Through It rated?

PG

It's rated PG in the United States.

How long is A River Runs Through It?

2 h 3 min

A River Runs Through It runs 2 h 3 min.

Is A River Runs Through It based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on A River Runs Through It?

Critics74
Audiences75

Yes. Critics average 74 and audiences 75 out of 100, so both groups see A River Runs Through It much the same way.

Was A River Runs Through It a box office hit?

Budget$12 million
Box office$43 million

Yes. It cost about $12 million to make and earned $43 million worldwide, 3.6 times its budget.

What language is A River Runs Through It in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.

In how many countries can I watch A River Runs Through It?

59ADALARATAUBABEBGBOBRBZCACHCL+45

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A River Runs Through It in 59 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does A River Runs Through It use?

Title DropMay–December RomanceBrick JokeLove at First SightTime-Shifted ActorPreacher's KidNo Animals Were HarmedAdapted OutKick the DogScenery PornThe AlcoholicHope Spotand 16 more

TV Tropes lists 28 storytelling tropes for A River Runs Through It, including Title Drop, May–December Romance, Brick Joke.