Driving Miss Daisy
An independent Atlanta widow and her new chauffeur slowly turn decades of racial and generational tension into an enduring friendship.
Overview
A poignant exploration of friendship and change across generations.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- warm
- gentle
- witty
- quiet evening
- reflective weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the screenplay and the performances of Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman for creating a subtle, heartwarming relationship drama, while noting that its treatment of racism can rely on outdated stereotypes.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Daisy and Hoke move from employer-employee resistance to a deeply trusting friendship over more than two decades.
The film explores segregation and prejudice through driving, household routines, conversation, and social boundaries between Daisy and Hoke.
Adapted directly from Alfred Uhry's stage play, the film retains a dialogue-led, intimate structure focused on domestic and automotive spaces.
Daisy's refusal to accept a chauffeur reflects her struggle to preserve independence while aging and no longer driving herself.
Films like Driving Miss Daisy, and why
The Intouchables
warm period drama centered on an unlikely friendship overcoming social and cultural differences
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
quietly moving relationship drama built around aging, dignity, and changing social attitudes
The Help
character-driven drama about racial tension, personal connection, and gradual moral change in the American South
Movie Details
- Director
- Bruce Beresford
- Release Date
- 1989-12-13
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (1870)
Cast
- Morgan Freeman
- Jessica Tandy
- Dan Aykroyd
- Patti LuPone
- Esther Rolle
- Joann Havrilla
- William Hall Jr.
- Alvin M. Sugarman
- Clarice F. Geigerman
- Muriel Moore
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- 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 Driving Miss Daisy about?
- An independent Atlanta widow and her new chauffeur slowly turn decades of racial and generational tension into an enduring friendship.
- What is Driving Miss Daisy like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Driving Miss Daisy as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Driving Miss Daisy violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Driving Miss Daisy.
- What did critics think of Driving Miss Daisy?
- Critics broadly praised the screenplay and the performances of Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman for creating a subtle, heartwarming relationship drama, while noting that its treatment of racism can rely on outdated stereotypes.
- Which films are like Driving Miss Daisy?
- Films with a similar feel include The Intouchables, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and The Help.
- How long is Driving Miss Daisy?
- Driving Miss Daisy runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch Driving Miss Daisy?
- In United States, Driving Miss Daisy is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
