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Great Expectations poster

Great Expectations (1998)

“Let desire be your destiny.”

6.6/10 · 722 votes 1h 51m r ComedyRomanceDrama

#69 of 123 films from 1998 #1349 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón · Written by Charles Dickens, Mitch Glazer

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Loosely based on the Charles Dickens' classic novel, "Great Expectations" is a sensual tale of a young man's unforgettable passage into manhood, and the three individuals who will undeniably change his life forever. Through the surprising interactions of these vivid characters, "Great Expectations" takes a unique and contemporary look at life's great coincidences.

Cast

Ethan Hawkeas Finnegan Bell
Gwyneth Paltrowas Estella
Hank Azariaas Walter Plane
Chris Cooperas Joe
Anne Bancroftas Ms. Dinsmoor
Robert De Niroas Prisoner / Lustig
Josh Mostelas Jerry Ragno
Kim Dickensas Maggie
Nell Campbellas Erica Thall
Gabriel Mannas Owen
Jeremy Kissneras Finnegan at Age 10
Raquel Beaudeneas Estella at Age 10
Stephen Spinellaas Carter Macleish
Marla Sucharetzaas Ruth Shepard

Facts

Release dateJanuary 30, 1998
Runtime111 min (1h 51m) — about the same as the 1998 average of 109 min
GenresComedy, Romance, Drama
LanguageEN
Budget$25,000,000
Box office$55,494,066 (2.2× budget)
IMDbtt0119223

More from Alfonso Cuarón

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban2004 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 21m Children of MenChildren of Men2006 · ★ 7.6 · 1h 49m A Little PrincessA Little Princess1995 · ★ 7.6 · 1h 37m RomaRoma2018 · ★ 7.6 · 2h 15m Y Tu Mamá TambiénY Tu Mamá También2001 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 46m GravityGravity2013 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 31m Paris Je T'aimeParis Je T'aime2006 · ★ 6.8 · 2h 0m

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Questions

How long is Great Expectations?
Great Expectations runs 111 minutes (1h 51m).
Is Great Expectations worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.6/10 across 722 votes, which places it #69 of 123 films released in 1998 in this index (top 45%) and #1349 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed Great Expectations?
Great Expectations was directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Children of Men (2006), A Little Princess (1995).
Who stars in Great Expectations?
Ethan Hawke as Finnegan Bell; Gwyneth Paltrow as Estella; Hank Azaria as Walter Plane; Chris Cooper as Joe; Anne Bancroft as Ms. Dinsmoor; Robert De Niro as Prisoner / Lustig.
What is Great Expectations rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Great Expectations?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/1540.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.