Awakenings (1990): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
Awakenings is a 1990 drama directed by Penny Marshall, starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams. It is partly based on Awakenings by Oliver Sacks. It runs 2 hours 1 minute and earned $52.1 million worldwide. It was nominated for 3 Oscars. Critics gave it 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic. Stream it on Sony Pictures Core and Tubi TV, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 1m (121 min)
- Director
- Penny Marshall
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Columbia Pictures
- Based on
- Awakenings by Oliver Sacks
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Awakenings About?
The premise of Awakenings without spoilers, adapted from Awakenings by Oliver Sacks. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A dedicated researcher administers an experimental treatment to a catatonic patient, unexpectedly awakening him from decades of paralysis. As Dr. Malcolm Sayer witnesses the remarkable effects of his work on Leonard, he also experiences a personal awakening, rediscovering his own passions and finding joy in their shared connection. The story explores the profound impact of human connection and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity, based on a true story.
Awakenings Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- drug testing
- catatonia
- encephalitis lethargica
- nurse
- hospital
- psychiatric hospital
- hope
- doctor
- 1960s
- based on true story
- title directed by female
- year 1969
+38 more Show fewer
- man wears eyeglasses
- title same as book
- new on the job
- experimental drug
- what happened to epilogue
- biotech sci fi
- medical drama
- psychiatric ward
- new drug
- flatulence
- cigarette smoking
- patient
- 1930s
- charity
- medicine
- hippie
- motivational
- violence
- time warp
- sleeping sickness
- sadness
- paralytic
- neurologist
- miracle
- medical profession
- medical experiment
- illness
- happiness
- frustration
- earthworm
- dying
- death
- cynicism
- bronx new york city
- anger
- one word title
- influenza
- diaper change
Where to Watch Awakenings
Stream it on Sony Pictures Core and Tubi TV, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel 
Tubi TV 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
Awakenings Cast
Robert De Niro leads the cast, with Robin Williams. Directed by Penny Marshall.
-
Director Penny Marshall
Awakenings Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Awakenings 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 81% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 89%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 74 Metascore
User score 8.2
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 78% User score
See on TMDB
Awakenings Plot Summary
What happens in Awakenings from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the oppressive heat of summer 1969, Dr. Malcolm Sayer, portrayed by Robert De Niro, dedicates himself to caring for patients at a lively hospital located in the Bronx, New York City. Immersed in a world where urban life resonates with a unique energy, Sayer delves into the complex enigma of encephalitis lethargica, diligently researching its effects on his catatonic patients. His deep-rooted efforts lead him to an important realization: by utilizing specific stimuli—such as the gentle roll of a ball, comforting melodies, and the simple act of speaking a patient’s name—he can gently awaken these seemingly unreachable individuals from their silent prisons.
Full summary
The whole story of Awakenings, scene by scene
Awakenings Box Office
Awakenings grossed $52.1 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$52.1M
- US & Canada
- $52.1M
Awakenings Awards & Nominations
Awakenings was nominated for 3 Oscars. The 4 nominations come from 2 ceremonies, the most at the Oscars 1991.
4 nominations2 ceremonies
-
Oscars 1991 3 nominations- Nominated Actor in a Leading Role – Robert De Niro
- Nominated Best Picture
- Nominated Writing (Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium) – Steven Zaillian
-
Golden Globes 1991 1 nomination- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor) – Robin Williams
Awakenings Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser and 1 clip.
- Teaser Awakenings 1990 TV trailer
- Clip Awakenings - Trailer
How Well Do You Know Awakenings?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who plays Dr. Malcolm Sayer?
Cars in Awakenings
15 cars on screen, including the 1964 Dodge Polara and the 1968 Dodge Polara.
-
1964 Dodge Polara Important role -
1968 Dodge Polara Minor role -
GMC HM-Series Minor role -
1973 GMC T8H 5307 A Minor role
Awakenings Also Known As
32 alternative titles, including “L'Éveil” and “Przebudzenia”.
- Also known as
-
- L'Éveil
- Przebudzenia
- Пробуждение
- Despertares
- ตื่นเถิดเพื่อนถ้าใจยังมีฝัน
- Zeit des Erwachens
- Risvegli
- Heräämisiä
- Uyanışlar
- 无语问苍天
- Čas probuzení
- レナードの朝
+20 more Show fewer
- Ξυπνήματα
- Uppvaknanden
- Ébredések
- Przebudzenie
- Livet længe leve
- התעוררות
- 사랑의 기적
- Tempo de Despertar
- Пробуждане
- Пробудження
- Revenire la viață
- Čas prebúdzania
- الإيقاظ
- Những Lần Tỉnh Giấc
- Prabudimai
- Буђења
- 睡人, გამოღვიძება
- 無語問蒼天
- Despertar
- Buđenja
Seen Awakenings?
Movies Like Awakenings
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Awake, Awake and Wide Awake.
Awakenings FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and the book behind it of Awakenings, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Awakenings?
Awakenings runs 2 hours 1 minute (121 minutes).
When was Awakenings released?
Awakenings was released on December 20, 1990.
Who directed Awakenings?
Awakenings was directed by Penny Marshall.
More films by Penny Marshall Who is in the cast of Awakenings?
Awakenings stars Robert De Niro and Robin Williams.
Where can I watch Awakenings?
In the US, Awakenings is streaming on Sony Pictures Core and Tubi TV and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How much did Awakenings make at the box office?
Awakenings grossed $52.1 million worldwide.
How is Awakenings rated?
Awakenings has 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic and 78% on TMDB.
Is Awakenings based on a book?
Yes. Awakenings is partly adapted from Awakenings by Oliver Sacks.
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