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Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., Annabella Sciorra, Max von Sydow, Jessica Brooks Grant ... see more see more... , Josh Paddock , Rosalind Chao

Based on a metaphysical 1978 novel by science fiction and horror author Richard Matheson, this romantic fantasy-drama won an Oscar for its expensive and impressive visual vistas depicting an imaginati... read more read more...ve afterlife. Robin Williams stars as Chris Nielsen, a doctor who has suffered with his artist wife Annie (Annabella Sciorra) through the devastating loss of their children, Marie and Ian, who were killed in a car accident. Although Annie's all-consuming depression nearly destroyed their marriage, the couple rebuilt their relationship and are now living out a comfortable middle age. Stopping one night to help a motorist in a wreck, Chris is struck by a car and killed. At first confused about where he is, Chris meets Albert (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a spiritual guide who helps him to realize he's passed away and that he must move on to the next world. After trying with only limited success to communicate with the devastated Annie, Chris moves on and discovers an afterlife that can become whatever one envisions, where even his pet dog awaits him. What Chris envisions as paradise are the paintings of his wife, and he happily takes up residence there, awaiting the far-off day when Annie will eventually join him. He also meets his children, although they have chosen different appearances than the ones they had in life. Then tragedy strikes when Annie, inconsolable, commits suicide and goes to Hell. Although it is rarely done, Chris insists on traveling there, risking his eternal soul to save the woman he loves. Accompanied part of the way by Albert and a wizened guide called The Tracker (Max von Sydow), Chris finally reaches Annie in Hell, and must convince her of the truth in order to release her from her dark prison. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Flixster Users

85% liked it

146,364 ratings

Critics

55% liked it

67 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 53 min.

Directed by: Vincent Ward

Release Date: October 2, 1998

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DVD Release Date: February 6, 2001

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Stats: 11,539 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (11,539)

  • jmanard52
    March 29, 2007
    jmanard52
    Hadnt watched this in a while but i pulled out the DVD and last night I was just amazed again. Soulmates is an incredible concept to me right now and this movie just rocks on so many levels to me.
  • fb1463751009
    March 10, 2012
    fb1463751009
    "What Dreams May Come" truly conveys a very dreamy and colorful world through its spectacular cinematography. The story gets you involved with the protagonist, but I couldn't help but find that it got confused in its vision. Too many differing views of "paradise" made "What Dream... read mores May Come" a conflicting movie of itself. Also, 3rd act of the movie starts to fall apart with cheesy settings, redundancy, and a boring turn in terms of storytelling. Not only that, "What Dreams May Come" tries too hard to be emotional... some may say rightfully so because of the traumatic events that occurs in this movie, but the entire package tries way too hard to accentuate the drama. Still, it was entertaining; I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
  • StarCrossedVoyager
    October 23, 2011
    StarCrossedVoyager
    Very visually interesting and whilst the actors did a good job I wasn't 100% sure on the story. I liked it but it's one of those films where it makes you so sad/upset that you really don't want to see it ever again. It deals with difficult issues such as death and suicide but it ... read morealso expects every spectator to hold the same thoughts on life, death and heaven/hell. I don't totally agree with what they showed but as a film it was good enough to watch but not something I'd recommend!
  • jamers2011
    June 9, 2011
    jamers2011
    Overall, this is a good film. It is unique, odd film that really makes you think. Beautiful cinematography!
  • 366weirdmovies
    June 3, 2011
    366weirdmovies
    A pediatrician dies and goes to paradise, but he's willing to throw away an eternity of bliss to find his wife, who's trapped in a far less pleasant afterlife. Watch for the amazing special effects which recreate some classic paintings by Hieronymus Bosch and others---especially... read more for the amazing scenes of Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr. walking around in what literally looks like a painting (pastel oils even squish under Williams' feet)---and not for the poorly paced, sappy romantic plot.
  • moonrivers
    May 22, 2011
    moonrivers
    how many metaphysical romances do you run into? richard matheson, former twilight zone writer, muses romantically about what possibly could happen if one didn't exactly get it together in this vale of tears. thankfully von sydow yet again brings a sense of reality before yer st... read moreomach dies of strained sentimentality. set design (mimicking the style of Vincent van Gogh) to die for.
  • MrsInsomnia
    May 21, 2011
    MrsInsomnia
    When I first saw this movie I was at the age of 9 or 10 .I remember it clearly ,even though it has been a long time and I only watched it once ,because it was really touching .Things have changed in my life and so did I, that means if I ever try to watch it again this will not ma... read moreke me feel as it did the very first time because I see things differently now .So if you like colorful fairytales or if you believe in god or after life, watch it ,otherwise skip it.
  • BEACHBUNNI
    November 3, 2010
    BEACHBUNNI
    A fantasy drama starring Robin Williams as a dead man who journeys to the depths of Hell to be reunited with his wife (Annabella Sciorra). Cuba Gooding Jr assists him on the spiritual quest......
    probably wont leave a dry eye in the house this one,its pretty emotional and yes it... read more does touch the heart! the visual effects were good!
  • bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    July 29, 2010
    bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    a wierd and dark but touching movie. B
  • blacksheepboy
    January 11, 2010
    blacksheepboy
    The visuals are absolutely stunning and beautiful, and the story is so moving that it doesn't get compromised by its rather silly conclusion.

View All What Dreams May Come Reviews

Critic Reviews

Jay Carr
January 1, 2000
Jay Carr, Boston Globe

The afterlife movie soars to new visionary heights in 'What Dreams May Come.'

Owen Gleiberman
January 1, 2000
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

If the film's morose sentimentality sidesteps ludicrousness, it's also not very dramatic. Full Review

Stephen Hunter
January 1, 2000
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post

It's not much, other than the vision thing.

Bob Fenster
January 1, 2000
Bob Fenster, Arizona Republic

Here's what's wrong with giant movie screens: You can fill them with extreme close-ups of Robin Williams' face!

Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

In both concept and execution, they testify to painfully banal sensibilities. Full Review

Paul Tatara
January 1, 2000
Paul Tatara, CNN.com

A visual blast. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

`What Dreams May Come' is so breathtaking, so beautiful, so bold in its imagination! Full Review

Eleonore Snow
January 1, 2000
Eleonore Snow, Mr. Showbiz

Dripping with bold visual aplomb and sugar-coated mysticism, Vincent Ward's film is a staunch romantic's romance for those who believe-or want to believe-in eternal love.

David Hunter
January 1, 2000
David Hunter, Hollywood Reporter

A visual feast not to be passed up and bound to pack an emotional punch for many viewers!

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Director Vincent Ward's view of heaven is surreal and spectacular! Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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    • Chris Nielsen: Sometimes, when you win, you lose.
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What Dreams May Come Trivia

  • In the movie "What Dreams May Come" who plays the husband that goes to hell to find his wife?  Answer »
  • ''Which actor had the lead role in the film 'What dreams may come?'  Answer »
  • In what movie does robin williams die. And his heven is his wifes painting   Answer »
  • In what movie did Robin Williams play an angel seeking his wife in hell?  Answer »
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