Meet Joe Black

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2:26

Meet Joe Black

PG-13

1998

3h 0m

Fantasy

Romance

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

48%

Tomatometer

52 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins), businessman and devoted family man, is about to celebrate his 65th birthday. However, before he reaches that landmark, he is visited by Death (Brad Pitt), who has taken human form as Joe Black, a young man who recently died. Joe and Bill make a deal: Bill will be given a few extra days of his life, and Joe will spend the same time getting to know what it's like to be human. It seems like a perfect arrangement, until Joe falls in love -- with Bill's daughter.

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Critics Consensus

Meet Joe Black is pretty to look at and benefits from an agreeable cast, but that isn't enough to offset this dawdling drama's punishing three-hour runtime.

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Joe Clay

The Times (UK)

03/28/2023

[A] glossy but overlong update of Mitchell Leisen’s 1934 comedy Death Takes a Holiday.

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Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

10/26/2020

A savory, extralong feature whose obvious plotlines unfold with an almost painful slowness that somehow makes them deeper.

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Ann Hornaday

Baltimore Sun

10/26/2020

1/4

To call the three-hour-long "Meet Joe Black" leaden would do an injustice to lead.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Jun 9

3/5

...Meet Joe Black was savaged by critics at the time, but looks a more interesting prospect today, not least because we know how just how far outside his comfort zone Brad Pitt’s deeply strange, yet memorable performance is...

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David Oppedisano

Radio Times

06/07/2024

4/5

This is Hollywood at the crossroads of glossy and classy, with Hopkins at the peak of his powers and Pitt at his most transcendent.

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

01/17/2024

A gimmicky premise is made even worse by iffy acting, hilariously bad dialogue, and a slow pace.

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alberto M

@Alby1987 1d

"Meet Joe Black" is one of those rare films that grows deeper every time you watch it. On the surface it may seem slow, but if you allow yourself to enter its rhythm, it becomes a beautiful reflection on life, love, and the inevitability of death. Brad Pitt brings a mysterious innocence to the character of Joe, while Anthony Hopkins delivers an extraordinary performance as a man facing the end of his life with dignity and awareness. The film takes its time, and that slowness is actually its strength: it allows the viewer to reflect on what truly matters. What makes this movie special for me is how it gently reminds us of the value of time, human connection, and the simple moments we often take for granted. It's not just a story about Death visiting Earth, but a meditation on what it means to truly live. For those willing to slow down and feel the story, "Meet Joe Black" is a touching and unforgettable experience.

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Pedro Henrique C

@Pedro2005 Feb 11

Meet Joe Black (1998) Beautiful, attractive, magical, and wonderful—these three words perfectly describe this film. This is the first time I've watched it, and it was an incredible experience. I think the only negative thing is the duration of 3 hours and 0 minutes.

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Moira M

Jan 26

Though most reviews are negative, I find this movie one of the best ever made. The cast is perfect, music amazing, and the fact it is long and slow just gives you the time to really get into what is happening. I love the story, with the romance giving a special meaning to everything else. Beautiful picture and background. I have watched several times, first time through VHS, and I am never tired of it.

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Alupigus mb M

@Rayzen Jan 25

Wish 2026 movies gives you same emotions

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Samantha C.

@samanthac0_ Jan 4

loved it so much it made my heart hurt. great film

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Phil D.

@phildub Dec 31

There’s a lot to rave about. Martin Brest only puts out bangers according to his IMDB. So much emotion and suspense. Mastery.

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Martin Brest

Director

Brad Pitt

Joe Black

Anthony Hopkins

William Parrish

Claire Forlani

Susan Parrish

Jake Weber

Drew

Marcia Gay Harden

Allison

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - I Like You So Much

3:00

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - Lightning Could Strike

2:58

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - Mystery Man

2:30

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - Joe Says Goodbye

2:51

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - That Was Wonderful

3:00

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - Peanut Butter Man

2:23

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - Bill Introduces Joe

1:53

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - Am I Going to Die?

2:34

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - Bill's Birthday Speech

1:35

Meet Joe Black: Official Clip - Undressing Joe Black

2:35

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Meet Joe Black: Trailer 1

2:26

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Synopsis

Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins), businessman and devoted family man, is about to celebrate his 65th birthday. However, before he reaches that landmark, he is visited by Death (Brad Pitt), who has taken human form as Joe Black, a young man who recently died. Joe and Bill make a deal: Bill will be given a few extra days of his life, and Joe will spend the same time getting to know what it's like to be human. It seems like a perfect arrangement, until Joe falls in love -- with Bill's daughter.

Director: Martin Brest
Producer: Martin Brest
Screenwriter: Ron Osborn, Jeff Reno, Bo Goldman
Distributor: Universal Pictures, MCA/Universal Pictures [us]
Production Co: Universal Pictures, City Lights Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 2, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 18, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $44.6M
Runtime: 3h 0m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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