Legends of the Fall

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Legends of the Fall

R

1994

2h 14m

Drama

Romance

Western

War

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

62%

Tomatometer

60 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

In early 20th-century Montana, Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) lives in the wilderness with his sons, Tristan (Brad Pitt), Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Samuel (Henry Thomas). Eventually, the unconventional but close-knit family encounters tragedy when Samuel is killed in World War I. Tristan and Alfred survive their tours of duty, but, soon after they return home, both men fall for Samuel's gorgeous fiancée, Susannah (Julia Ormond), and their intense rivalry begins to destroy the family.

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Critics Consensus

Featuring a swoon-worthy star turn by Brad Pitt, Legends of the Fall's painterly photography and epic sweep often compensate for its lack of narrative momentum and glut of melodramatic twists.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

Jan 4, 2024

It may take place in a man’s world, but this is a women’s picture, in the vein of the overwrought family epics of the 1950s.

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

Jan 23, 2019

In general, director Edward Zwick does a commendable job of keeping things apace, while... John Toll's scrumptiously pristine cinematography and James Horner's piercingly full score.

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Terrence Rafferty

The New Yorker

Apr 2, 2014

At first, the picture plays like East of Eden with a bonus brother; it gets sillier as it goes.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Jul 19, 2026

3/4

...an old-school epic that does, for the most part, remain perfectly watchable for the duration of its (overlong) running time...

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Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

Jan 16, 2025

3.5/5

While some segments of the film seem to comically lurch from one tragedy to the next, a cosmically melancholy underpinning lingers — that time’s cruel sweep is how mankind tends to minimize moments between our sadness and undervalue the peace we find.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Jan 5, 2025

3/4

Thelma & Louise and A River Runs Through It may have gotten the wheels turning on the Brad Pitt Heartthrob Express, but it was this handsomely mounted epic that turned the actor into a pinup fave and, more significantly, a genuine star.

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Virginia B

Nov 7, 2025

Absolutely loved this movie. An All-Star cast and with Brad Pitt looking absolutely gorgeous, with his long hair and all the close-up shots is a must see. The gorgeous shots and panoramas as well as a heartfelt story you will laugh, and you will cry. I highly recommend it.

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Abs B

@Abs_B Aug 28, 2026

When I first watched this as a kid I was so moved. That emotion has not changed eveytime I rewatch it. So well written and directed. Some great acting and emotion. A Must watch to all!

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown Jun 13, 2026

Pitt is the ultimate bad boy everyone loves in this one. Along with his dad, the Colonel (Hopkins) - Pitt and his brothers go through WWI and the west together - fighting over the girl.

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Jeff H.

@RT22857732 Mar 28, 2026

An epic movie! I enjoy it eveytime I watch it (5 times)...I watch it every 4-5 years.

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VaughntheExpert ..

@Vaughnexpertise Feb 5, 2026

What a movie its a bit long but worth every minute of the watch! Trials of Love, Family, Loyalty bit of a tear jerker with a Star Studded cast The acting was Phenomenal Definitely a Must See.

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naughty e

@naughtyelf Jan 22, 2026

100% the worst movie I have watched in the last decade (im 10.) Do not watch this movie unless you are gay, disabled, constipated, and all around stupid. I will admit however there was potential at the start, but it was all lost to the cringe, bad plot, and death toll. The least the director couldve given us, was a good ending. Brad Pitt has done much finer work, do not watch it for him, no matter how handsome you may think him. SHIT, SHIT, and more SHIT. I would give this movie no stars however that is not possible so I give it a 1/2.

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Edward Zwick

Director

Brad Pitt

Tristan Ludlow

Anthony Hopkins

Col. William Ludlow

Aidan Quinn

Alfred Ludlow

Julia Ormond

Susannah Fincannon Ludlow

Henry Thomas

Samuel Ludlow

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Alfred is Reconciled

2:12

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Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Isabel Dies

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Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Four Beers

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Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Tristan Returns

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Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Gravesite Visit

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Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Meeting the Bride

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Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Samuel Dies

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Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Susannah at the Ranch

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Legends of the Fall: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In early 20th-century Montana, Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) lives in the wilderness with his sons, Tristan (Brad Pitt), Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Samuel (Henry Thomas). Eventually, the unconventional but close-knit family encounters tragedy when Samuel is killed in World War I. Tristan and Alfred survive their tours of duty, but, soon after they return home, both men fall for Samuel's gorgeous fiancée, Susannah (Julia Ormond), and their intense rivalry begins to destroy the family.

Director: Edward Zwick
Producer: William D. Wittliff, Marshall Herskovitz
Screenwriter: Jim Harrison, Susan Shilliday
Distributor: Columbia Tristar, TriStar Pictures
Production Co: TriStar Pictures, Bedford Falls Productions
Rating: R (Some Sexuality|Language|Violence)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Western, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $63.2M
Runtime: 2h 14m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround, Stereo

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