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Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump

The world will never be the same once you've seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump.

1994142 minPG-13Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Robert Zemeckis
Starring
Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field

A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Forrest Gump?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Forrest Gump streaming on Paramount+ and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Forrest Gump?

Forrest Gump earns 16 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 8 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Forrest Gump worth watching?

Forrest Gump's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 6.9M ratings across 6 sources. 94% 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 Drama99th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)99th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

86 /100

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1990s

Critics 82 · Audience 86

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

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

94% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1990s
94% rated it 7–106% rated it 1–6

Critics 75% · Audience 95%

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

Awards

6 Oscars won · 7 Oscar noms · 39 wins / 54 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Actor in a Leading Role
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Director

99th percentile

6.9M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 7% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$55M
Opening weekend$24M
Domestic gross$330M
Worldwide gross$678M

Returned 12.3× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is technically well-made, emotionally manipulative, and presents a simple protagonist who drifts through history.

Fans praised

  • Tom Hanks' compassionate performance as Forrest
  • Emotional impact blending humor and heartbreak
  • Unique storytelling weaving historical events into personal journey

Detractors panned

  • Reactionary political message rewarding blind obedience
  • Manipulative sentimentality and shallow moralizing
  • Unrealistic success of a simple-minded protagonist

What stands out

ActingDivisive88

Tom Hanks delivers a career-defining performance as the innocent Forrest

Sound and musicDivisive85

Iconic soundtrack of 1960s-70s hits and Alan Silvestri's evocative score

Emotional impactDivisive82

Tear-jerking moments at Jenny's grave and Forrest's unwavering love

DialogueDivisive78

Memorable lines like 'Life is like a box of chocolates' and 'Run, Forrest, run'

EndingDivisive78

Bittersweet resolution with Forrest becoming a father and life continuing

CharactersDivisive72

Forrest's purity and loyalty contrasted with Jenny's troubled arc and Lt. Dan's redemption

Plot and storyDivisive65

Episodic journey through American history with convenient coincidences

PacingDivisive65

Engaging but occasionally meandering episodic structure

Preferred by

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

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

Watch experience

What is Forrest Gump like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It takes its time, has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. 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

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulMelancholicWarm
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
Sentimental · 8% of filmsWarm
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its story with earnest warmth, never undercutting its emotional moments despite occasional humor, and treats its characters with affection.
The rideThe film glides between Forrest's cheerful innocence and the sadness of Jenny's fate, with the emotional weight settling most heavily in the final act as Jenny's illness comes to light.
StructureThe film opens and closes with Forrest on a bus bench recounting his life, framing a chronological three-act narrative of his childhood, Vietnam service, and later successes.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a gentle uplift celebrating Forrest's simple goodness and eventual family, while mourning Jenny's lost years and the cost of her troubled life.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).Rags
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% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% (this title) · 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%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Underdog triumph: Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).

3% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeForrest's improbable rise from a disabled, slow-witted boy to a successful shrimp magnate and accidental celebrity follows an underdog triumph arc, while his life story from childhood to adulthood anchors the coming-of-age premise.

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 filmsSelfSelf-worth
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · 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% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of filmsFriendship · 9% of filmsFate · 1% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeForrest never doubts his own value despite others' judgments, while his steady devotion to Jenny and Bubba anchors the story in friendship, and his accidental presence at historical turning points raises the question of fate versus chance.
StanceThe film celebrates self-worth by affirming that a person of limited intellect can live a full, meaningful life simply by being kind and persistent.

The world

Late 20th centuryRuralDomesticInstitutionalWildernessStylized realism
Orchestral classicalOrchestral modernFolkSupportive music · hybrid · Alan Silvestri
SettingGreenbow, Alabama, from the 1950s through the early 1980s
MusicThe feather-like piano theme recurs as a leitmotif for Forrest's journey, while the jukebox of 1960s–70s pop songs anchors each era.

Content guide

Is Forrest Gump okay for kids?

PG-13

Forrest Gump is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for drug content, some sensuality and war violence” (MPAA). As of October 5, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (59/100), sexual content at moderate (58/100), language at moderate (60/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (63/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). Overall it is heavier than 95% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UK12
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • Austria16
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Greece12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO16+
  • Russia16+
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 66% of all filmsHeavier than 95% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 69%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 97%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 89%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 98%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 66%

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

The reason to think twice is drug and alcohol content.

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 Forrest Gump have?

MovieCove found 10 depicted content warnings in Forrest Gump: Gun violence (severe), Addiction or relapse (moderate), Gore or body horror (moderate), Sexual harassment or grooming (moderate), Sexual violence (moderate), Domestic violence (mild), Medical procedures (mild), plus 3 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Child abuse. A missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGun violence
ModerateAddiction or relapseGore or body horrorSexual harassment or groomingSexual violence
MildDomestic violenceMedical procedures
MentionedChild abuse

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Forrest Gump?

Cast

4 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Tom Hanks won the Oscar for this film.

Tom Hanks
as Forrest Gump
Oscar win: Academy Award — Best Actor in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Robin Wright
as Jenny Curran
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Gary Sinise
as Lieutenant Dan Taylor
newcomer then · star now
Sally Field
as Mrs. Gump
BAFTA nominee: BAFTA Award nomination — Best Actress in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mykelti Williamson
as Bubba Blue
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Michael Conner Humphreys
as Young Forrest
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Hanna Hall
as Young Jenny Curran
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Haley Joel Osment
as Forrest Junior
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
newcomer then · star now
Siobhan Fallon Hogan
as School Bus Driver
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rebecca Williams
as Nurse at Park Bench
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Forrest Gump?

Movies like Forrest Gump include Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), The Man Without a Face (1993) and Punchline (1988). Of the 12 closest matches, several are underdog stories, and several are films about fate.

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Forrest Gump?

2.4K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: soulmates separated. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.