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What Dreams May Come

  • 1998
  • PG-13
  • 1h 53m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
118K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,235
613
Robin Williams in What Dreams May Come (1998)
Home Video Trailer from Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Play trailer0:31
1 Video
99+ Photos
TragedyDramaFantasyRomance

Chris Nielsen dies in an accident, and enters Heaven. But when he discovers that his beloved wife Annie has killed herself out of grief over the loss, he embarks on an afterlife adventure to... Read allChris Nielsen dies in an accident, and enters Heaven. But when he discovers that his beloved wife Annie has killed herself out of grief over the loss, he embarks on an afterlife adventure to reunite with her.Chris Nielsen dies in an accident, and enters Heaven. But when he discovers that his beloved wife Annie has killed herself out of grief over the loss, he embarks on an afterlife adventure to reunite with her.

  • Director
    • Vincent Ward
  • Writers
    • Richard Matheson
    • Ron Bass
  • Stars
    • Robin Williams
    • Cuba Gooding Jr.
    • Annabella Sciorra
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.0/10
    118K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,235
    613
    • Director
      • Vincent Ward
    • Writers
      • Richard Matheson
      • Ron Bass
    • Stars
      • Robin Williams
      • Cuba Gooding Jr.
      • Annabella Sciorra
    • 724User reviews
    • 76Critic reviews
    • 44Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 7 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    What Dreams May Come
    Trailer 0:31
    What Dreams May Come

    Photos176

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    Top cast31

    Edit
    Robin Williams
    Robin Williams
    • Chris Nielsen
    Cuba Gooding Jr.
    Cuba Gooding Jr.
    • Albert
    Annabella Sciorra
    Annabella Sciorra
    • Annie Nielsen
    Max von Sydow
    Max von Sydow
    • The Tracker
    Jessica Brooks Grant
    Jessica Brooks Grant
    • Marie Nielsen
    Josh Paddock
    Josh Paddock
    • Ian Nielsen
    Rosalind Chao
    Rosalind Chao
    • Leona
    Lucinda Jenney
    Lucinda Jenney
    • Mrs. Jacobs
    Maggie McCarthy
    Maggie McCarthy
    • Stacey Jacobs
    Wilma Bonet
    • Angie
    Matt Salinger
    Matt Salinger
    • Reverend Hanley
    Carin Cocita
    Carin Cocita
    • Best Friend Cindy
    • (as Carin Sprague)
    June Carryl
    June Carryl
    • Woman in Car Accident
    • (as June Lomena)
    Paul P. Card IV
    • Paramedic
    Werner Herzog
    Werner Herzog
    • Face
    Clara Thomas
    Clara Thomas
    • Little Girl at Lake
    Benjamin Brock
    • Little Boy at Lake
    Joe Bartnick
    • Warehouse worker
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Vincent Ward
    • Writers
      • Richard Matheson
      • Ron Bass
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews724

    7.0117.5K
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    Featured reviews

    renaldo and clara

    an impressive "tug" at heartstrings

    I am not that crazy about Robin Williams, though I don't dislike him. But he was adequate in this movie, because it called for a real sensitive and really nice guy. I feel that, from almost every one of the actors, there was a luminous glow emanating from their faces, like there was some sort of special lighting used. (There probably was!) As a result, the audience has empathy toward the characters and actually cares about what is happening to them. I've heard so many complaints about how it tries to pull at your heartstrings. Excuse me, but if there WAS a movie out there that made people cry without trying to, I would stay as far away from it as possible...

    .....YES, I believe there IS merit to be deserved by a movie if it creates any kind of obvious emotion. I think that crying at a movie either scares or annoys some people.

    I like how the movie made me feel awed during the first half, and even more awed during the second half; all the while making me feel sad throughout the movie at the same time. However, there is a difference between 'sad' and 'depressing'. I think the sadness helps any audience realize some parts of their inner-selves.

    While very memorable, curiously, the movie never intends for its audience to be close-minded enough to think that this is, with certainty, what happens after you die. It is more of a suggestion, an analogy, of how precious life is, and how deep the bond of love is between some people, no matter what happens.

    Rent this one today.
    9Chanandler-Bong

    Incredible and heartbreaking

    Given the recent loss of the incredible talent of Robin Williams I found this film incredibly moving. Ir made me think about what his heaven would be like, if he was watching his family grieve and I hope he's found peace. This film hits home for a lot of us, obviously because Robin killed himself. I don't believe people who commit suicide out of sadness or loss of hope go to hell, I believe they go to heaven like everyone else - Maybe that's just me being idealistic. As a film though, this moved me a lot. It was quite a sad film but at the same time there were moments of joy and sweetness. The acting was superb. I've never seen Robin act in this kind of role and I think it brought out his gentle, loving side people who knew him often spoke about. He spoke with this fascinating softness that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.I feel he should be more well know for this role because its a great film. Annabella was also brilliant , she really brought out the raw emotion and pain a widow goes through after not only losing her children but then her husband. Although Cuba played a small part in this, his was also a great piece of acting (I wouldn't expect anything less from him). I cried a lot through this film, all for various reasons including the death of Robin and that pain of seeing him being wonderful and I am really going to miss him, also the film was very moving and does make you think, it also made me think of my life and what I'd do if certain people tragically left my life. So it hit home on quite a few levels. For its time the CG is actually pretty good, I've seen worse CG in films nowadays. Anyway, a fantastic film and anyone wishing to see a moving performance by Robin should watch this, he's incredible and always will be. I hope he's in his own private heaven at peace right now.
    10siit

    The most under-rated movie ever ?

    Firstly this is an adult movie. I remember when it was marketed on its release. It seemed to be targeted to all ages - Robin Williams off the back of- at that time- children's movies. It promoted the technology of the making. Overall they marketed it completely wrong, which I daresay has led it to being placed in the mediocrity bin.

    However, nothing could be further from the truth. What Dreams May Come would have to be one of the most intelligent, emotional, visually beautiful, and well acted projects ever to grace the screen.

    Robin Williams is masterful and Sciorra perfectly mirrors her soul mate (Williams). Their performances encapsulate all the joy and abject sorrow human life entails. It's a movie that wants you to find real love, see beyond cynicism and grasp the idea of soul mate. And it's all presented in a stunningly gorgeous montage of exquisite colour and symmetry.

    From the opening shot to the closing frame, its magnificent. The story is enveloping encompassing nearly every asset of human emotion. It's a roller-coaster ride but rewarding. Comedy, hope, sadness, joy, elation, despair... all displayed perfectly.

    ALL actors shine, Cuba Gooding Jr is his usual excellent self and Max von Sydow is impeccable.

    The greatest movie ever? close... most under-rated movie ever? - most probably. Watch it, very few movies will touch you as What Dreams May Come will.
    megawhoosits

    absolutely stunning

    I love this movie because it is truly romantic- it shows that love does not just happen in an instant, or at first glance, but is something that you have to commit to and work at. It's not just 'boys meets girl, stuff happens, they get married and live happily ever after' - Annie and Chris have to deal with real adversity and issues, which are shown through numerous flashbacks throughout the film. (ie- Chris being embarrassed to dance, teaching his daughter about death)

    You're not supposed to watch this film for the visual effects. They're great, but they're not the point. If you have a short attention span, and are expecting action thrown at you every five seconds, then go watch something else, and don't complain that this film is boring.

    This film was very simple and very human. If you want inspiration that REAL love exists (and not that stupid teen movie crap), then I highly recommend it.
    8Lew777

    20 years on this is still a powerful visual storytelling feat

    I'd never watched this film when it was released. It's taken me 20 years to finally watch it, and though film-making has advanced technologically in terms of CGI in that time - it still looks stunning ! It's a slow burning story and there's not much joy and laughs - but the sense of love and family and resoluteness still lingered way after the film ended. It's concept of Heaven and Hell is way beyond conventional film directors. It's a labour of love which at the end is faith affirming and yet shows up all our human flaws and vulnerability in all their glory. Great direction - good acting and an incredible journey that will stay in your mind .

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Annabella Sciorra initially had no desire to appear in the film, thinking that it would be too intense and sad. A read-through with Robin Williams convinced her otherwise.
    • Goofs
      When the little girl gives half her sandwich to the little boy on the dock, he takes the other half, and hands the first one back to her. As he hands it over, there is a bite missing in the middle. When she goes to eat it, it is whole.
    • Quotes

      Chris Nielsen: Thank you for every kindness. Thank you for our children. For the first time I saw them. Thank you for being someone I was always proud to be with. For your guts, for your sweetness. For how you always looked, for how I always wanted to touch you. God, you were my life. I apologize for everytime I ever failed you. Especially this one...

    • Crazy credits
      Disclaimer after the end credits: "The persons and events in this production are fictitious. No similarity to actual persons, living, dead or reincarnated is intended or should be inferred."
    • Alternate versions
      The DVD gives an alternative ending in which the kids (Ian & Marie) come to see Annie and Chris. They ask her if she wants to see them as Chris saw them. She says yes and they become Albert and Leona. They ask if she wants them to stay as they are or go back to being the kids. She says she knows who they are and should stay the same. Then Annie says she has to leave. This is the crucial point that wasn't in the original because Leona says those who commit suicide have to go back and be reincarnated. Chris says he wants to go back and Albert responds we figured that, a couple of star crossed lovers. He then says that Chris will meet Annie in Sri Lanka where Annie will die in his arms and he will die 40 years after that. Then there is a montage of Annie and Chris being born ending with side by side pictures of two new born babies.
    • Connections
      Edited into Doggiewoggiez! Poochiewoochiez! (2012)
    • Soundtracks
      Chris & Annie's Theme
      Based on variations of "Beside You"

      Written by Mark Snow (as Martin Fulterman) and Michael Kamen

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    FAQ20

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • October 2, 1998 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • New Zealand
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Más allá de los sueños
    • Filming locations
      • Angel Falls, Canaima National Park, Estado Bolívar, Venezuela
    • Production companies
      • Polygram Filmed Entertainment
      • Interscope Communications
      • Metafilmics
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $85,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $55,382,927
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $15,833,592
      • Oct 4, 1998
    • Gross worldwide
      • $55,383,166
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 53 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1
      • 2.35 : 1

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