Awakenings_
"There is no such thing as a simple miracle."
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Netflix
9 countries
Rakuten TV
3 countries
Movistar Plus+
1 country
Crave
1 country
Starz Amazon Channel
1 country
Tubi
FREE
1 country
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Box office
Awakenings earned $52.1M worldwide on a $31.0M budget — a 68% return on investment.
Penny Marshall →
Year context
Awakenings was released 36 years ago in 1990.
CAST (20)
Robert De Niro
Leonard Lowe
Robin Williams
Malcolm Sayer
John Heard
Dr. Kaufman
Julie Kavner
Eleanor Costello
Penelope Ann Miller
Paula
Ruth Nelson
Mrs. Lowe
Max von Sydow
Peter Ingham
Anne Meara
Miriam
Dexter Gordon
Rolando
George Martin
Frank
Alice Drummond
Lucy Fishman
Richard Libertini
Sidney
Laura Esterman
Lolly
Barton Heyman
Bert
Judith Malina
Rose
Mary Alice
Nurse Margaret
Keith Diamond
Anthony
Bradley Whitford
Dr. Tyler
John Christopher Jones
Dr. Sullivan
MC
Mary Catherine Wright
Nurse Beth
CREW
Director
Writer
BOX OFFICE
$31.0M
Budget
$52.1M
Revenue
+68%
ROI
PROFITABLE
Verdict
STUDIOS (1)
AWARDS (1)
B
National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
WON
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
120 min (2h 0m)
Language
English
Country
Rating
7.8/10 (2,787 votes)
Popularity
7
Budget
$31,000,000
Box Office
$52,096,475
Profit
+$21,096,475
IMDB
Trailer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Awakenings about?
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
How long is Awakenings?
Awakenings has a runtime of 120 minutes (2h 0m).
Who directed Awakenings?
Awakenings was directed by Penny Marshall.
Who stars in Awakenings?
The cast of Awakenings includes Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard, Julie Kavner, Penelope Ann Miller.
How much did Awakenings make at the box office?
Awakenings earned $52,096,475 worldwide at the box office. The production budget was $31,000,000.
What is the rating of Awakenings?
Awakenings has a rating of 7.8 out of 10 based on 2,787 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (1)
Drama
KEYWORDS (11)
coma
experiment
based on novel or book
hope
miracle
based on true story
hospital
illness
woman director
comatose
medical drama
