The Straight Story (1999)
An earnest, intimate journey across states unfolds on a lawnmower, mending a family bond.
Retired farmer and widower Alvin Straight learns one day that his distant brother Lyle has suffered a stroke and may not recover. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. He then has the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey.
How intense is The Straight Story?
The Straight Story has no gore and no real violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a comfort watch. Rated G.
What The Straight Story feels like
- Tone
- earnestheartwarmingintimatemelancholy
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attentionComfort watch
- True story
- Yes, based on true events.
Where to stream The Straight Story
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Straight Story for you?
Is The Straight Story scary?
No. The Straight Story is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is The Straight Story gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and no real violence (0 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is The Straight Story sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Straight Story OK for kids?
It is rated G and nothing here runs hot: scare 0, gore 0, violence 0, each out of 3. A safe family pick by the numbers.
How long is The Straight Story?
The Straight Story runs 1h 52m.
Where can I stream The Straight Story?
The Straight Story is streaming on Disney+.
Does The Straight Story 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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