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Awakenings (1990) poster

Awakenings

1990, English. Directed by Penny Marshall.

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.

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Runtime
2h 0m
Post-credits
None listed
Language
English
Rated
U/A 13+

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Worth the Hype

Clear your evening for this.

7.8/10 from 3,010 TMDB viewer ratings.

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Where to watch Awakenings

Awakenings isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.

Availability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.

Details

Released
4 December 1990
Country
United States of America
Written by
Steven Zaillian
Budget
$31M
Box office
$52M
comaexperimentbased on novel or bookhopemiraclebased on true storyhospitalillnesswoman directorcomatosemedical drama

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News & fan talk

What Awakenings is based on

Awakenings is based on Awakenings, a 1973 novel by Oliver Sacks, published by Gerald Duckworth.

Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.

If you liked Awakenings

Awakenings: quick answers

Is Awakenings worth watching?

Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.8/10 from 3,010 TMDB viewer ratings.

How long is Awakenings?

Awakenings runs 120 minutes (2h 0m).

Does Awakenings have a post-credits scene?

None is listed for Awakenings. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.

Awakenings parents guide: is it suitable for kids?

Awakenings is rated U/A 13+ in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.

Which OTT platform is Awakenings on?

Awakenings isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)

What movies are like Awakenings?

If you liked Awakenings, try Breakthrough, If I Stay, Brain on Fire.

Who directed Awakenings?

Awakenings (1990) was directed by Penny Marshall and stars Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard.

What is Awakenings based on?

Awakenings is based on Awakenings, a 1973 novel by Oliver Sacks, published by Gerald Duckworth.

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