LBJ (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Electric Entertainment
- Budget
- $26M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
-
Jeffrey Donovan as John F. Kennedy - Kim Allen as Jackie Kennedy
- Michael Stahl-David as Bobby Kennedy
-
Woody Harrelson as Lyndon B. Johnson
Also Starring in LBJ
· 12 more- Jennifer Jason Leigh Lady Bird Johnson
- Bill Pullman Senator Ralph Yarborough
- Michael Mosley Kenny O'Donnell
- Richard Jenkins Senator Richard Russell
- C. Thomas Howell Walter Jenkins
- Rich Sommer Pierre Salinger
- Joe Chrest
- Judd Lormand
- Wallace Langham Arthur Schlesinger
- Gary Grubbs
- Doug McKeon
- Travis Wester
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).
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.
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IMDb 6.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 55% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 54%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 54 Metascore
User score 7.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 64% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.0 /5
1 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 2.5 /5
See on Movie Insider
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
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.
Worldwide gross
$2.5M
10% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $2.5M
- International
- $39.2K
- Budget
- $26M
LBJ Trailers & Videos
The trailer of LBJ.
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
- 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
What tragic event thrust LBJ into the presidency?
Cars in LBJ
10 cars on screen, including the 1959 Lincoln and the 1964 Lincoln Continental.
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1959 Lincoln Important role -
1964 Lincoln Continental Important role -
1964 Lincoln Continental Important role -
1961 Buick LeSabre Minor role
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?
Movies Like LBJ
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including LBJ: The Early Years, LBJ and Path to War.
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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