Return to Paradise
1998, English. Directed by Joseph Ruben.
Give up three years of their lives or give up the life of their friend. They have eight days to decide.
Lewis, Sheriff and Tony are three friends vacationing in Malaysia. Sheriff and Tony eventually leave to pursue careers in New York, but Lewis stays behind to work with orangutans. Two years later, Sheriff and Tony learn that, because of their past actions, Lewis has been arrested for drug possession. With Lewis facing a death sentence, the friends are left with a difficult decision: return to Malaysia and split Lewis' sentence, or let him die.
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.5/10 from 321 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Return to Paradise
Return to Paradise isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Joseph RubenDirector
- Vince VaughnJohn 'Sheriff' Volgecherev
- Anne HecheBeth Eastern
- Joaquin PhoenixLewis McBride
- David ConradTony Croft
- Jada Pinkett SmithM.J. Major
- Vera FarmigaKerrie
- Nick SandowRavitch
- Elizabeth RodriguezGaby
- Ming LeeMr. Chandran
- Joel de la FuenteMr. Doramin
- Richard ChangProsecutor
- James McCauleyFamous Divorce Lawyer
Details
- Released
- 10 August 1998
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Bruce Robinson, Wesley Strick
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Return to Paradise is based on
Return to Paradise is based on Force majeure, a 1989 film.
Film · 1989
Force majeure
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Return to Paradise: quick answers
Is Return to Paradise worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.5/10 from 321 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Return to Paradise?
Return to Paradise runs 109 minutes (1h 49m).
Does Return to Paradise have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Return to Paradise. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Return to Paradise parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Return to Paradise is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Return to Paradise on?
Return to Paradise isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Return to Paradise?
If you liked Return to Paradise, try Angel Eyes, Leave Her to Heaven, Dot the I.
Who directed Return to Paradise?
Return to Paradise (1998) was directed by Joseph Ruben and stars Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, Joaquin Phoenix.
What is Return to Paradise based on?
Return to Paradise is based on Force majeure, a 1989 film.