Rain Man
A grasping Los Angeles hustler discovers that the brother he never knew may be worth more to him than the inheritance he wants.
Overview
A journey of self-discovery unfolds as two estranged brothers embark on an unexpected road trip.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- sincere
- tender
- reflective movie night
- road movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found Barry Levinson's modest road drama compelling despite an uneven script, chiefly because of strong performances from Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Charlie investigates his father's three-million-dollar trust and takes Raymond on the road to gain access to it, while the journey changes his priorities.
Charlie begins by treating Raymond as a means to obtain money, then gradually develops brotherly attachment and understanding.
The cross-country trip from the institution toward Los Angeles forces Charlie and Raymond into sustained proximity and confrontation.
Raymond's repeated phrases, strict routines, refusal to fly except Qantas, and savant abilities shape the film's central performance and scenes.
Films like Rain Man, and why
The Intouchables
shares a character-driven road movie structure, reluctant companionship, emotional transformation, and bittersweet warmth
Thelma & Louise
shares a cross-country journey, an initially self-centered protagonist, family reconciliation, and comedy-drama balance
About Schmidt
shares an emotionally guarded adult learning empathy through an unconventional relationship, with grounded humor and dramatic tenderness
A Reasonable Man
shares a buddy drama built around disability, social misunderstanding, and gradual mutual affection
Movie Details
- Director
- Barry Levinson
- Release Date
- 1988-12-12
- Runtime
- 134 min
- Rating
- 7.7 / 10 (7355)
Cast
- Dustin Hoffman
- Tom Cruise
- Valeria Golino
- Gerald R. Molen
- Jack Murdock
- Michael D. Roberts
- Ralph Seymour
- Lucinda Jenney
- Bonnie Hunt
- Kim Robillard
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Rain Man about?
- A grasping Los Angeles hustler discovers that the brother he never knew may be worth more to him than the inheritance he wants.
- What is Rain Man like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rain Man as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Rain Man violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Rain Man as mild.
- What did critics think of Rain Man?
- Critics broadly found Barry Levinson's modest road drama compelling despite an uneven script, chiefly because of strong performances from Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.
- Which films are like Rain Man?
- Films with a similar feel include The Intouchables, Thelma & Louise, About Schmidt, and A Reasonable Man.
- How long is Rain Man?
- Rain Man runs 134 minutes.
- Where can I watch Rain Man?
- In United States, Rain Man streams on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
