Common Sense Media Review
Moving story of brilliant, troubled youth for older teens.
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Good Will Hunting
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 31 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a powerful and inspiring narrative showcasing complex themes of self-discovery and emotional growth, with standout performances from its lead cast. However, many reviews caution that the movie features excessive strong language and sexual content, making it more suitable for mature audiences rather than younger viewers.
- mature themes
- strong language
- inspiring performances
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 83 kid reviews
Kids say that this film is a powerful and emotional narrative about a troubled genius that resonates with teens, showcasing themes of redemption, friendship, and self-discovery. However, many reviews caution about the extensive use of profanity, sexual references, and some violence, indicating it's best suited for mature audiences aged 13 and up, ideally watched with parents.
- mature themes
- strong language
- emotional story
- positive messages
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In GOOD WILL HUNTING, Will (Matt Damon), who grew up as an abused foster child in tough South Boston, works as a janitor at MIT. When he solves complicated math problems that stumped the students, a professor searches for him, only to find that he's in jail for hitting a policeman. The professor promises that he'll work with Will and will get him psychiatric help. When Will manages to scare off a string of therapists, the professor seeks out his estranged friend from college, Sean (Robin Williams). Like Will, Sean is the survivor of a tough Southie upbringing is still struggling with his own loss -- which means Sean is able to help Will realize that he's not betraying his friends by using his gifts to enlarge his world. Along the way, Will falls in love with Harvard pre-med student Skylar (Minnie Driver). She and Sean teach him that the walls he built to protect himself from pain are no longer needed and are in fact getting in his way.
Is It Any Good?
Mature teens will appreciate this movie -- which earned a writing Oscar for Damon and co-star Ben Affleck -- as a compelling story about a brilliant young man with a troubled past. Both gritty and moving, Good Will Hunting is a powerful tale of realizing your potential -- and the often-painful realities of growing up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship in Good Will Hunting. How do friends help and hinder each other in this movie? Do their relationships seem realistic?
How does the movie portray sex and drinking? Parents, talk to your teens about your own family's perspective on these topics.
How do the characters in Good Will Hunting demonstrate communication, compassion, empathy, and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 1, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : December 8, 1998
- Cast : Ben Affleck , Matt Damon , Minnie Driver , Robin Williams
- Director : Gus Van Sant
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Adoptees and Foster Kids ) , School ( College & Graduate School ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy , Integrity
- Run time : 126 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : very strong language, sexual references and situations, and some violence
- Last updated : January 4, 2026
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