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Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray ... see more see more... , Marita Geraghty , Rick Ducommun , Rick Overton , Robin Duke , Angela Paton , Carol Bivins , Les Podewell , Harold Ramis , David Pasquesi , Willie Garson , Timothy Hendrickson , Rom Milanovich , Lucina Paquet , Brenda Pickleman , Peggy Roeder , Eric Saiet , Rod Sell , Dianne B. Shaw , Terry Fryer , Rob Riley , Doc Erickson , John M. Watson Sr. , Richard Henzel , Mike Shannon

Bill Murray plays Phil, a TV weatherman working for a local station in Pennsylvania but convinced that national news stardom is in his grasp. Phil displays a charm and wit on camera that evaporates th... read more read more...e moment the red light goes off; he is bitter, appallingly self-centered, and treats his co-workers with contempt, especially his producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) and cameraman Larry (Chris Elliot). On February 2, 1992, Phil, Rita, and Larry are sent on an assignment that Phil especially loathes: the annual Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, PA, where the citizens await the appearance of Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who will supposedly determine the length of winter by his ability to see his own shadow. Phil is eager to beat a hasty retreat, but when a freak snowstorm strands him in Punxsutawney, he wakes up the next morning with the strangest sense of déjà vu: he seems to be living the same day over again. The next morning it happens again, and then again. Soon, no matter what he does, he's stuck in February 2, 1992; not imprisonment nor attempted suicide nor kidnapping the groundhog gets him out of the loop. But the more Phil relives the same day, the more he's forced to look at other people's lives, and something unusual happens: he begins to care about others. He starts to respect people, he tries to save the life of a homeless man, and he discovers that he's falling in love with Rita and therefore wants to be someone that she could love in return. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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79% liked it

376,020 ratings

Critics

97% liked it

64 critics

PG, 1 hr. 42 min.

Directed by: Harold Ramis

Release Date: February 12, 1993

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DVD Release Date: January 29, 2002

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Stats: 19,629 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (19,629)


  • February 2, 2013
    I watched again today (on Feb. 2nd of course) just to refresh my memory of this film. The premise of the movie is unique - at least I have not run across it in another movie, but on viewing it again in 2013, I found the Feb. 2nds were going on for too long - and the inevitable e... read morend could not come soon enough for me. I reduced my rating by 1/2 a star from what I had rated it 10 years ago.
  • September 13, 2012
    A dazzling, sweet and ofter remarkable comedy. Groundhog Day presents a criative screenplay, with a good direction and great actings; what makes a lovely movie that still make all laugh and cheer. One of the rares romantic comedys that enjoy me. Fresh.
  • July 22, 2012
    "I'll give you a winter prediction: It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be grey, and it's gonna last you for the rest of your life."

    A weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again.

    REVIEW
    ... read more>
    Smug, snide, cynical and dripping with more than an ounce of well-trained insincerity, Pittsburgh local Weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray, whose performance here seems to be his usual, languid, wise-ass self, but upon further review, is arguably one of his most slyly executed performance of his career) is not looking forward to covering Groundhog Day in nearby Punxsutawney. He isn't too thrilled with who he's being dispatched to cover it with: a bright new producer (Andie MacDowell) and an unassuming but equally wise-ass cameraman he's worked with before (Chris Elliott). Come the actual event, Phil goes through the motions, then is crestfallen to find out he'll be stuck in Punxsutawney through the day (he was set to leave town that afternoon) and have to spend one more night at a quaint bed-and breakfast where he doesn't fit in. That would soon prove to be the least of his problems, as he begins to relive the same February 2nd ad infinitum.

    Murray's performance here is really worth more than a cursory glance: in having to relive the same day over and over again, his Phil is left open to relive it in both generous and selfish ways. As he continually re-crafts the same routines (and tries, in increasingly more grim fashions to escape it), he begins to learn about things and people he absolutely never would, not the least of which his attraction and affinity for his producer. Director Harold Ramis with Second City and Ghostbusters cohort Bill Murray is able to craft a film that, while it seems to be unable to find a way to wrap itself up (and is probably my biggest gripe of this film), is still both cuttingly funny, poignant and somewhat philosophical in its mien.
  • fb791220692
    May 22, 2012
    fb791220692
    Comedy done very, very right.
  • May 9, 2012
    Picture this: You're stuck in a time loop, waking up every morning at 6 a.m to Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe"; forced to re-live the same day in a seemingly endless cycle, with no one in the world to believe what you're going through. Well, that's precisely what happens to TV me... read moreteorologist Phil Connors (Bill Murray), who by some unseen magic enters a bizarre metaphysical situation, which ultimately leads him to discovering his true potential as a human being. This may sound like a fantasy film, but it's also profoundly heartwarming romantic comedy, where Murray shines like never before, in a virtuoso performance that really cements his comical genius. Yet, it isn't his film alone. Wonderful supporting actors like Andie McDowell, Chris Elliott and Stephen Tobolowsky, add their talent to the pot, making every little scene a total delight. To say that director Harold Ramis struck gold with this movie, would be the understatement of the century. The philosophy, humor and high concept storyline, is all flawlessly merged in a heavenly medley that you can't help but love and be inspired by. If you get this on Blu-ray or DVD, there are some really fun interviews with Harold Ramis, where he fondly talks of the great impact his movie has made, among various spiritual and religious groups, all across the world. Everyone seems to take away something really meaningful from this film, whether it be in the attitude towards other people, or something beyond our physical reality. Either way, it shares with us some truly valuable lessons, which is what makes it so much more than a piece of stellar entertainment. In my eyes, this is the ultimate marriage between romance, comedy and lighthearted existensialism. A hilariously funny masterpiece, of which quality and worth I think we'll never see again. Because after nearly two decades since its making, "Groundhog Day" still holds the crown for the greatest comedy I've ever seen!
  • April 30, 2012
    24/08/2011 (DVD)

    Weird but good! I didn't really care for this flick even though I've known about the film since I was a kid but never e=really paid attention to it, but I always would here about 'Groundhog day' and so I decided I wanted to know what is this 'Groundhog d... read moreay?'... And wow, I did not expect to enjoy it that much!

    It's an unusual fantasy until you contemplate and measure the pleasure with the dissatisfaction, I mean it sounds all rather cool until you think about the result that are never met, and that's when it is no longer a fantasy... but a nightmare. Laugh now, cry later.

    It's a a strange one with romance, comedy and a twist(s) of fate(s)! Not bad at all!
  • February 4, 2012
    Puts even heavier quotes around the "holiday" of the same name.
  • January 23, 2012
    Groundhog Day is both Bill Murray and Harold Ramis' best film. When the two joined for the first time in Caddyshack they made a hilarious but very silly comedy and the same applies to Ghostbusters. What they have geniusly made here is a smart, witty and sometimes silly comedy, sc... read morei-fi, action, drama. Its everything they have done together in one ultimately entertaining movie. Groundhog Day never ever loses its charm neither does it lose its ability to make us laugh out loud.
  • December 30, 2011
    Groundhog Day is awesome. An apparently modest cookie cutter comedy, it has gained fans and critical acclaim over the 20 ensuing years. It is now one of the most beloved and timeless comedies in American film history It has attained its classic status for two reasons: Its scri... read morept is both hilarious and meaningful, a rare paring of qualities. That, and Bill Murray's quintessential misanthropic shtick, in his best ever film performance, despite more serious films that he made later (i.e. Lost in Translation).

    Bitter weatherman Phil is stuck doing the Groundhog day report from Punxatawney, Penn. He wakes up and for some unknown reason is forced to repeat the same day countless times, probably over many decades (precisely how many days he repeats is a matter of debate with fans), until her can move on to the next day. He masters many skills, piano playing, auto mechanics, etc. out of pure boredom. Murray goes from total hedonism, to multiple suicides, to opportunism, to altruism. He cannot advance to the next day, nor get Andie McDowell, (his producer, not a very interesting character but lovable and beautiful nonetheless, like most of her characters), until he really learns what he is meant to do on earth as a human being.

    The film has 100% cliched characters, but it needs them to make its points. Rubin and Ramis' script use those cliches to explore the most deep and fundamental quest for meaning: Why are we humans here? How can we achieve happiness? Will things ever change?

    I took a course with the Kabbalah Center, (it was only a one off experience, but an interesting one) The rabbis there conveyed the fundamental idea, that we are all forced to repeat our lives every day, and in each subsequent reincarnation until we learn our lesson and our true life's purpose, and then we earn the right to move on. This feels true to me, whether or not you subscribe to spiritualism and actual reincarnation.

    Groundhog Day is good for multiple viewings, there are new things to notice in each time you see it. It's a very special film and I love it.
  • November 29, 2011
    Harold Ramis' Groundhog Day is a great comedy film that is has plenty of good laughs. Bill Murray gives a great performance here. Groundhog Day is a hilarious film about a guy who is selfish, self centered and who after a snowstorm relieves his day over and over again. Groundhog ... read moreDay is a brilliant comedy from director Harold Ramis, and this proves that Ramis and Murray when they get together they create some good comedies, and is always something memorable to watch. Groundhog Day is yet another one of those films. This is simply put a fun, silly comedy with a great cast and the gags are original and actually make you laugh. That is what I enjoy about Harold Ramis comedies, the fact that he is able to craft a comedy with actual good gags. The jokes in his films are effortless in delivery and they are memorable because they actually are funny. Unlike many comedies of today. The cast do a great job and Harold Ramis directs with flair a great comedy that is fun from start to finish and is very memorable. Groundhog Day is one of those films that you simply can't forget, and with Bill Murray's comedic delivery, how can you forget such a film? I very much enjoyed this film and thought it was one of Bill Murray's best films since the first Ghostbusters and Caddyshack. This is one film that will keep you laughing till the very end. A must see comedy and is a definite classic. A well conceived plot keep you engaged from start to finish and it also reminds that comedies can make you laugh with smart jokes instead of mind melting crude jokes of today's comedies. An enjoyable and memorable film.

Critic Reviews


Kenneth Turan
May 6, 2013
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Groundhog Day may not be the funniest collaboration between Bill Murray and director Harold Ramis... Yet this gentle, small-scale effort is easily the most endearing film of both men's careers, a swee... Full Review

Steven Rea
May 6, 2013
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Murray hasn't made a comedy this winningly dumb and smart and -- yes -- sweet in a long time. If, indeed, he ever has. Full Review

Jay Boyar
May 6, 2013
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

A movie that continually replays a single day could quickly become tedious but, strangely enough, Groundhog Day never does. Full Review

Gene Siskel
May 6, 2013
Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

Murray's wiseacre persona is perfect for what could be saccharine material in other hands. Full Review

Michael Sragow
May 6, 2013
Michael Sragow, New Yorker

Even if you applaud Bill Murray's evolution from inspired comedian to minimalist seriocomic actor, it's a relief to revisit his most varied and charming role as Phil Connors. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Bill Murray is the one veteran of the Saturday Night Live/SCTV axis who still knows how to enter into a giddy conspiracy with his audience. Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
February 2, 2009
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

Considering that none of the characters is fresh or interesting, it's a commendable achievement that the quality of the storytelling alone keeps the movie watchable and likable. Full Review

Richard Corliss
October 5, 2008
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

[Murray] carries Groundhog Day with his uniquely frittery nonchalance and makes the movie a comic time warp anyone should be happy to get stuck in. Full Review

Richard Natale
October 5, 2008
Richard Natale, Variety

Ramis' direction is often too cool and restrained. He wisely avoids playing into the tale's underlying sentimentality. Full Review

Michael Booth
August 18, 2007
Michael Booth, Denver Post

Since arriving as a mild success in 1993, Groundhog Day has gradually achieved the status of beloved. The American Film Institute rates it No.34 on its list of all-time funniest movies, and it's a sto... Full Review

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Facts


    • Phil Connors: Do you want to throw up here or in the car?
    • Ralph: I think both.
    • Rita: You speak French.
    • Phil Connors: Oui.
    • Phil Connors: I'm a god.
    • Rita: You are God?
    • Phil Connors: I'm a god, I'm not the God. I don't think.
    • Phil Connors: Who is your perfect guy?
    • Rita: Well, first of all, he's too humble to know he's perfect.
    • Phil Connors: That's me!
    • Phil Connors: [to the groundhog] Don't drive angry! Don't drive angry!
    • Phil Connors: [talking about an oncoming train] I'm betting he's going to swerve first.

Groundhog Day : Watch Free on TV


Groundhog Day Trivia


  • What song is playing on the radio every morning when Bill Murray's character wakes up in "Groundhog Day"?  Answer »
  • What song plays every morning at 6:00 am in Groundhog Day?  Answer »
  • Bill Murray lived this day over and over again, he commits suicide several times, learns to play the piano and becomes an expert ice sculptor.  Answer »
  • What movie is this a quote from, "I've been stabbed, shocked, poisoned, frozen, hung, electrocuted, and bured... Every Day I wake up without a scratch on me, not a dent in the fender. I am immortal"  Answer »

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