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Before Sunrise

Before Sunrise

Can the greatest romance of your life last only one night?

1995101 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Richard Linklater
Starring
Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Hanno Pöschl, Erni Mangold

An unexpected meeting on a train leads two travelers to spend an evening wandering through Vienna. As the night unfolds, they share stories and conversations about life and love, exploring new ideas while a quiet intimacy grows between them, knowing it may be their only night together.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Before Sunrise?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Before Sunrise streaming on The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free).

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Highlights

What stands out about Before Sunrise?

Before Sunrise earns 9 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Before Sunrise worth watching?

Before Sunrise's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 2M ratings across 6 sources. 89% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)98th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

83 /100

98th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 1990s

Critics 79 · Audience 83

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

89% liked it

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Comedy98th percentile among 1990s
89% rated it 7–1011% rated it 1–6

Critics 100% · Audience 93%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 6 noms overall

99th percentile

2M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Comedy99th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 11% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$2.5M
Opening weekend$1.4M
Domestic gross$5.5M
Worldwide gross$6.6M

Returned 2.7× its budget — 67th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is essentially two people walking and talking in Vienna, with little plot.

Fans praised

  • natural, realistic dialogue
  • perfect chemistry between the leads
  • refreshingly honest romance

Detractors panned

  • boring, tedious talk
  • pretentious, shallow conversations
  • no real chemistry

What stands out

ActingDivisive90

natural, believable performances

AtmosphereDivisive85

romantic, dreamlike

DialogueDivisive80

witty and realistic, some pretentious

Emotional impactDivisive80

moving, nostalgic

CharactersDivisive75

interesting but sometimes annoying

PacingDivisive50

slow, meandering

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Before Sunrise like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Romantic: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in the mood for a love story.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Romantic.

The answer rests on this: Moods
WarmRomantic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmRomantic · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its romance and conversation entirely straight, with a sincere, naturalistic tone.
The rideThe film maintains a gentle, contemplative mood throughout, with the emotional weight settling at the ending when they part.
StructureConventional linear storytelling following a single night from meeting to parting, with no flashbacks or narrative tricks.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe viewer carries the warmth of the night's connection mixed with the melancholy of separation, and a fragile hope for their future.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 22% of films: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeNo traditional plot; the story is a single night of conversation and connection between two strangers, without a central conflict or goal.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the immediate and profound connection between two strangers, focusing on the nature of romantic love and the fleeting moments that define it.
StanceThe film celebrates the joy of a spontaneous romantic connection, presenting it as a profound and valuable experience.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitRealistic
AmbientSupportive music · original score · Fred Frith
SettingVienna at night in the mid-1990s
MusicThe score features acoustic guitar and gentle strings that complement the film's intimate atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Before Sunrise okay for kids?

R

Before Sunrise is rated R: “Rated R for some strong language” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (3/100), sexual content at mild (29/100), language at moderate (41/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (30/100) and frightening material at minimal (3/100). Overall it is heavier than 1% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 20 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
  • Brazil12
  • Argentina+13
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandS
  • GreeceK18
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/12
  • SpainA
  • SwedenBtl
  • Switzerland6
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 10% of all filmsHeavier than 1% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 23%
Profanity
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 14%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 16%
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 14% of R-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Before Sunrise have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Before Sunrise?

Cast

Ethan Hawke
as Jesse
Julie Delpy
as Céline
Hanno Pöschl
as Husband on Train
Erni Mangold
as Palm Reader
Haymon Maria Buttinger
as Bartender
Liese Lyon
as Cafe Patron
John Sloss
as Cafe Patron
Adam Goldberg
as Man Sleeping on Train
Richard Linklater
as Man in Shonen Knife T-Shirt Playing Foosball
Paul Poet
as Guy in Bar

Crew

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What are movies like Before Sunrise?

Movies like Before Sunrise include Before Sunset (2004), Before Midnight (2013) and One-Way to Tomorrow (2020). Of the 4 closest matches, half are films by Richard Linklater, and half are whirlwind romances.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with Before Sunrise?

742 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: hangout movie. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.