🎞 MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb › Best of › 1996 › Breaking the Waves

Breaking the Waves poster

Breaking the Waves (1996)

“Love is a mighty power.”

7.5/10 · 1,143 votes 2h 39m r RomanceDrama

#7 of 95 films from 1996 #215 of 1371 in romance

Directed by Lars von Trier · Written by Lars von Trier

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

In a small, conservative Scottish village, an oilman is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when he urges her to have sex with another.

Cast

Emily Watsonas Bess McNeill
Stellan Skarsgårdas Jan Nyman
Katrin Cartlidgeas Dodo McNeill
Jean-Marc Barras Terry
Adrian Rawlinsas Dr. Richardson
Jonathan Hackettas Priest
Sandra Voeas Mother
Udo Kieras Sadistic Sailor
Mikkel Gaupas Pits
Roef Ragasas Pim
Robert Robertsonas Chairman
Phil McCallas Grandfather
Desmond Reillyas An Elder
Sarah Gudgeonas Sybilla

Facts

Release dateJuly 5, 1996
Runtime159 min (2h 39m) — longer as the 1996 average of 109 min
GenresRomance, Drama
LanguageDA
Budget$7,500,000
Box office$23,000,000 (3.1× budget)
IMDbtt0115751

More from Lars von Trier

Dancer in the DarkDancer in the Dark2000 · ★ 7.8 · 2h 20m DogvilleDogville2003 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 58m The House That Jack BuiltThe House That Jack Built2018 · ★ 7.1 · 2h 32m MelancholiaMelancholia2011 · ★ 7.1 · 2h 16m Nymphomaniac: Vol. INymphomaniac: Vol. I2013 · ★ 6.9 · 1h 58m Nymphomaniac: Vol. IINymphomaniac: Vol. II2013 · ★ 6.7 · 2h 4m AntichristAntichrist2009 · ★ 6.6 · 1h 44m The IdiotsThe Idiots1998 · ★ 6.5 · 1h 50m

If you liked Breaking the Waves

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Forrest GumpForrest Gump1994 · ★ 8.5 · 2h 22m Dilwale Dulhania Le JayengeDilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge1995 · ★ 8.5 · 3h 10m Cinema ParadisoCinema Paradiso1988 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 4m A Dog's WillA Dog's Will2000 · ★ 8.4 · 1h 44m Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind2004 · ★ 8.1 · 1h 48m In the Mood for LoveIn the Mood for Love2000 · ★ 8.1 · 1h 39m Chungking ExpressChungking Express1994 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 43m The Best of YouthThe Best of Youth2003 · ★ 8.0 · 6h 7m

Questions

How long is Breaking the Waves?
Breaking the Waves runs 159 minutes (2h 39m), which is long for a romance — plan for it.
Is Breaking the Waves worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 1,143 votes, which places it #7 of 95 films released in 1996 in this index (top 94%) and #215 among 1371 romance titles.
Who directed Breaking the Waves?
Breaking the Waves was directed by Lars von Trier. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Dancer in the Dark (2000), Dogville (2003), The House That Jack Built (2018).
Who stars in Breaking the Waves?
Emily Watson as Bess McNeill; Stellan Skarsgård as Jan Nyman; Katrin Cartlidge as Dodo McNeill; Jean-Marc Barr as Terry; Adrian Rawlins as Dr. Richardson; Jonathan Hackett as Priest.
What is Breaking the Waves rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Breaking the Waves?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/42905.

Browse

Best of 1996Best romanceRomance of the 1990sBest dramaDrama of the 1990sAll lists
MTDb·Best films by year, genre and runtime·A century in numbers·Browse and watch trailers

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.