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Biographical drama

LBJ (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

LBJ (2017) movie poster

LBJ is a 2017 biographical drama starring Jeffrey Donovan as John F. Kennedy, Kim Allen and Michael Stahl-David. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $2.5 million worldwide on a $26 million budget. Critics gave it 55% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
55%
worldwide gross
$2.5M
Echo Score
68
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LBJ (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Genres
Biography , Drama
Original language
English
Budget
$26M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is LBJ About?

The premise of LBJ without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This biographical drama portrays the life of Lyndon Baines Johnson, from his time as a powerful figure on Capitol Hill to his sudden ascension to the presidency. Following the tragic death of John F. Kennedy, Johnson is thrust into the role of President, forcing him to navigate immense challenges and confront the complexities of leadership while grappling with the profound responsibility of the office. Woody Harrelson delivers a compelling performance as the controversial figure.

LBJ Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • lyndon b. johnson character
  • robert f. kennedy character
  • john f. kennedy character
  • john f. kennedy assassination
  • acronym in title
  • civil rights act of 1964
  • black maid
  • lady bird johnson character
  • u.s. vice president
  • u.s. senator
  • american history
  • u.s. congress
+38 more
  • u.s. congressman
  • u.s. house of representatives
  • politics
  • u.s. presidential campaign
  • u.s. presidential candidate
  • u.s. presidential election
  • u.s. senate majority leader
  • washington d.c.
  • year 1963
  • year 1960
  • year 1964
  • year 1962
  • assassination
  • year 1961
  • airplane
  • dallas texas
  • dallas love field texas
  • newspaper
  • newspaper headline
  • lincoln the car
  • scene during opening credits
  • american flag
  • flashback
  • year 1959
  • reference to george armstrong custer
  • f word
  • telephone
  • telephone call
  • tailor
  • liberal
  • texas governor
  • flash forward
  • motorcade
  • u.s. secret service
  • ranch
  • rifle
  • falling to the ground
  • deer hunting
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Cast & crew

LBJ Cast & Characters

Jeffrey Donovan leads the cast as John F. Kennedy, with Kim Allen as Jackie Kennedy and Michael Stahl-David as Bobby Kennedy.

Also Starring in LBJ

· 12 more
Ratings

LBJ Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave LBJ 55% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in character & emotion (78) and weakest in sensory experience (55).

68 /100

LBJ Echo Score Breakdown

The film offers a commanding lead performance but struggles with uneven presentation across its production elements. Woody Harrelson’s portrayal is widely recognized for its energy and depth, yet the heavy prosthetic makeup and inconsistent directorial voice draw frequent critique. While the narrative delivers moments of historical insight and emotional torque, it omits key aspects of Johnson’s legacy and fluctuates in pacing. Overall, LBJ emerges as an engaging biopic that is undermined by executional lapses.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 72

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows solid technical work but inconsistent visual cohesion. Direction maintains clear framing and period detail, yet the heavy prosthetic makeup and caricatured production design draw criticism. Editing occasionally undercuts narrative flow with abrupt scene transitions. Overall, the visual craftsmanship supports the story unevenly.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    In terms of character and emotion, the film features a commanding lead performance alongside uneven supporting portrayals. Harrelson’s embodiment of Johnson is repeatedly praised for its dynamism and depth, while secondary roles suffer from one-dimensional writing and inconsistent accents. Emotional resonance peaks in key political confrontations but recedes in underdeveloped interpersonal moments. Net impression is strong central characterization amid supporting gaps.

  • Story & Flow 60

    When it comes to story and flow, the structure delivers informative historical context but lacks consistent pacing and narrative completeness. The script offers insight into civil rights debates and political maneuvering, yet significant events such as the Vietnam War and broader legislative achievements are omitted. Engagement fluctuates between insightful dialogue and uneven scene momentum. The overall storytelling leaves the audience moderately engaged.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s auditory and visual design shows both strengths and shortcomings. The score and sound design unobtrusively support dialogue, while production visuals evoke the period setting. However, the exaggerated prosthetic makeup can distract from immersion, and visual consistency falters in some scenes. Overall, the sensory elements maintain functional support but rarely elevate the material.

  • Rewatch Factor 66

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film offers moments of strong engagement but uneven execution limits repeat appeal. Compelling scenes centered on political strategy and Harrelson’s dynamic portrayal invite multiple viewings, yet narrative omissions and tonal inconsistencies diminish lasting interest. While some viewers will appreciate the energy of key interactions, overall rewatchability remains modest due to structural gaps.

Plot

LBJ Plot Summary

What happens in LBJ from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film explores the tumultuous journey of Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, who unexpectedly ascends to the presidency following the tragic assassination of John F. Kennedy, played by Jeffrey Donovan, on November 22, 1963. On that fateful day in Dallas, Texas, while JFK is riding in the first car with his wife Jacqueline Kennedy, portrayed by Kim Allen, LBJ finds himself in the third car alongside his wife Lady Bird Johnson, portrayed by Jennifer Jason Leigh. It’s apparent that LBJ is often overshadowed by JFK’s popularity among the public, which adds to his discomfort of playing second fiddle in the world of politics.

Full summary

The whole story of LBJ, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

LBJ Box Office & Budget

LBJ grossed $2.5 million worldwide on a $26 million budget, 10% of what it cost. $2.5 million came from the US and Canada and $39,172 (2%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$2.5M

10% of its budget back

US & Canada
$2.5M
International
$39.2K
Budget
$26M
US & Canada 98% Rest of the world 2%
Videos

LBJ Trailers & Videos

The trailer of LBJ.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know LBJ?

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What tragic event thrust LBJ into the presidency?

Cars

Cars in LBJ

10 cars on screen, including the 1959 Lincoln and the 1964 Lincoln Continental.

All 10 cars
  • 1959 Lincoln in LBJ 1959 Lincoln Important role
  • 1964 Lincoln Continental in LBJ 1964 Lincoln Continental Important role
  • 1964 Lincoln Continental in LBJ 1964 Lincoln Continental Important role
  • 1961 Buick LeSabre in LBJ 1961 Buick LeSabre Minor role
Details

LBJ Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “LBJ: A Esperança de uma Nação” and “Johnson: La esperanza de una nación”.

Also known as
  • LBJ: A Esperança de uma Nação
  • Johnson: La esperanza de una nación
  • LBJ: Η Αληθινή Ιστορία του Προέδρου Τζόνσον
  • LBJ - John F. Kennedys Erbe
  • LBJ - L.B. Johnson, après Kennedy
  • ЛБД
  • LBJ: Η Ιστορία του Πρόεδρου Τζόνσον
  • 林登·约翰逊
  • Линдън Бейнс Джонсън
  • A la sombra de Kennedy
  • The President: Lyndon B. Johnson
  • A l'ombra de Kennedy

Seen LBJ?

FAQ

LBJ FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of LBJ, each answered in a sentence.

How long is LBJ?

LBJ runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was LBJ released?

LBJ was released on November 3, 2017.

Who is in the cast of LBJ?

LBJ stars Jeffrey Donovan as John F. Kennedy, Kim Allen as Jackie Kennedy and Michael Stahl-David as Bobby Kennedy, among 16 credited actors.

How much did LBJ make at the box office?

LBJ grossed $2.5 million worldwide ($2.5 million domestic, $39,172 international) on a budget of $26 million.

How is LBJ rated?

LBJ has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, 54 on Metacritic and 64% on TMDB.

Does LBJ have a post-credit scene?

No. LBJ has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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