Awakenings (1990)
A shy doctor finds his own rebirth by awakening catatonic patients with an experimental, yet controversial, drug.
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
How intense is Awakenings?
Awakenings has no gore and no real violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a comfort watch. Rated PG-13.
What Awakenings feels like
- Tone
- heartwarmingmelancholyearnestuplifting
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attentionComfort watch
- True story
- Yes, based on a book.
Where to stream Awakenings
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Awakenings for you?
Is Awakenings scary?
No. Awakenings is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Awakenings gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and no real violence (0 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Awakenings sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Awakenings OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 0, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is Awakenings?
Awakenings runs 2h.
Where can I stream Awakenings?
Awakenings is streaming on Tubi.
Does Awakenings have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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