The first half of the screenplay is better than the second and in particular the weak ending which is very commercial Oscar material. However, there is Benigni, who is an old school visual comedian, and some of his antics are a delight. The period setting details are also well done.…
8.4/10Comedy · Drama
Life Is Beautiful
“An unforgettable fable that proves love, family and imagination conquer all.”
- 1997
- 1h 56m
- PG-13
- IT
- Released
The story
What Life Is Beautiful is about
A touching story of an Italian book seller of Jewish ancestry who lives in his own little fairy tale. His creative and happy life would come to an abrupt halt when his entire family is deported to a concentration camp during World War II. While locked up he tries to convince his son that the whole thing is just a game.
Life Is Beautiful is a comedy and drama film from 1997, directed by Roberto Benigni. It runs 1h 56m and is rated PG-13 in the US. It was produced by Mario e Vittorio Cecchi Gori - C.E.I.A.D. and Melampo Cinematografica, with production in Italy.
The main cast is led by Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano. The screenplay was written by Roberto Benigni, Vincenzo Cerami. Reported worldwide gross stands at $230.1M.
Why it matters: Life Is Beautiful currently holds 8.4/10 from 14371 TMDB user ratings and has taken $230.1M worldwide against a $20.0M budget. Figures move as more ratings and box-office updates arrive.
Editor’s note
Should you watch Life Is Beautiful?
Life Is Beautiful is best suited to a relaxed night. At 1h 56m, it is a standard feature length. The draw is Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi, directed by Roberto Benigni.
With 14,371 TMDB ratings averaging 8.4/10, this is one of the most widely seen titles in our library, so the score is a reliable signal.
TMDB tags the film with themes including dying and death, bookshop, love of one's life and nazi.
The US certification is PG-13: may include intense action or themes that are unsuitable for younger children.
If you like this, try Forrest Gump, Parasite or Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Auto-generated from TMDB data (runtime, cast, ratings, keywords, certification). Last updated November 4, 2026.
Availability
Where to watch Life Is Beautiful
32 official sources across 5 regions. Rows with a direct link open this exact title on the provider’s own site; the others open that provider’s own search for the title, where price, video quality and audio options are confirmed before you pay.
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Checked 4 November 2026. Listings from TMDB / JustWatch data and they change daily; the provider page always shows the final price. Compare every option on JustWatch. MovieState links only to licensed services.
Who is in it
Life Is Beautiful cast
Character names follow the film's credits. Open a name to see that person's other work on MovieState.
Behind the camera
Direction and crew
DirectorRoberto Benigni
WritersRoberto Benigni, Vincenzo Cerami
ProducersGianluigi Braschi, Elda Ferri
MusicNicola Piovani
CinematographyTonino Delli Colli
EditingSimona Paggi
Audience reaction
Ratings and reviews
8.4/1014371 ratings
Life Is Beautiful sits at 8.4 out of 10 from 14371 user ratings. For context, the film's worldwide gross is $230.1M.
Scores show TMDB user ratings at the time of publishing and shift as new votes arrive.
<em>'Life Is Beautiful'</em> is certainly beautiful (in a sense), but is acutely haunting too. You can see where the film is heading from pretty much the get-go, though that only strengthens the grip that the film had on my mind. Evidently, it's an outstanding piece of filmmaking. I've, of course, seen plenty of fli…
The facts
Life Is Beautiful key details
| Original title | Life Is Beautiful |
|---|---|
| Status | Released |
| Release date | October 22, 1998 |
| Runtime | 1h 56m |
| Certification | PG-13 in United States, PG in United Kingdom |
| Original language | IT |
| Country | Italy |
| Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide gross | $230.1M |
| Studios | Mario e Vittorio Cecchi Gori - C.E.I.A.D., Melampo Cinematografica |
| Also known as | Az élet szép, La Vida es Bella, Livet är underbart |
Release information
Release dates by country
| Country | Date | Cert |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Oct 22, 1998 | PG-13 |
| United Kingdom | Feb 12, 1999 | PG |
| Canada | Nov 6, 1998 | PG |
| Australia | May 6, 2006 | M |
| Brazil | Feb 5, 1999 | 12 |
| Czechia | Apr 1, 1999 | U |
| France | Oct 21, 1998 | U |
| Germany | Nov 12, 1998 | 6 |
| Hungary | Apr 8, 1999 | 12 |
| Ireland | Feb 12, 1999 | PG |
Official trailer for Life Is Beautiful, via Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers. Open on YouTube
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Who directed Life Is Beautiful?
Life Is Beautiful was directed by Roberto Benigni.
Who is in the cast of Life Is Beautiful?
The main cast includes Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano, Sergio Bini Bustric.
How long is Life Is Beautiful?
Life Is Beautiful runs 1h 56m.
When was Life Is Beautiful released?
It was released in the United States on October 22, 1998. Release dates vary by country — see the table above.
What is Life Is Beautiful rated?
Certification depends on the country: PG-13 in United States, PG in United Kingdom. Always check your local rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch Life Is Beautiful online?
Availability changes by region and by week. The table above lists the streaming, rental and purchase services reported for major markets. Check the provider page for today's price and quality.
Can I watch Life Is Beautiful in HD or 4K?
Most digital stores offer Life Is Beautiful in HD, and newer releases are often available in 4K. Check the quality label on the provider's page before you pay.
How much did Life Is Beautiful earn?
Reported worldwide gross is $230.1M against a budget of $20.0M. Box office figures update over time.
Keep watching
More films like Life Is Beautiful
Data sources: TMDB (titles, cast, crew, release dates, provider listings and user ratings). Availability and box office figures change over time; this page was last rebuilt on November 4, 2026. We publish information only; we do not host or stream video files.
Exact record pages: IMDb record · TMDB record
At a glance: Life Is Beautiful runs 1h 56m, opened in US cinemas on October 22, 1998, has 32 licensed options across 5 regions tracked here.