Harold and Maude

Released Jan 1, 1971

1h 31m

Comedy

List

86%

Tomatometer

50 Reviews

93%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

Cult classic pairs Cort as a dead-pan disillusioned 20-year-old obsessed with suicide and a loveable Gordon as a fun-loving 80-year-old eccentric. They meet at a funeral, and develop a taboo romantic relationship, in which they explore the tired theme of the meaning of life with a fresh perspective.

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Critics Consensus

Hal Ashby's comedy is too dark and twisted for some, and occasionally oversteps its bounds, but there's no denying the film's warm humor and big heart.

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Richard McGuinness

Village Voice

The fact that [it] isn't very funny and, like its 80-year-old heroic, long outlives its necessary life, is less important than the fact that the characters frequently react gently or like credible human beings to the script's impossible notions.

Jan 18, 2013

Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Simpleminded, but it's fairly inoffensive, at least until Ashby lingers over the concentration-camp serial number tattooed on Gordon's arm. Some things are beyond the reach of whimsy.

Oct 24, 2007

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Derek Adams

Time Out

It is most successful when it keeps to the tone of an insane fairystory set up at the beginning of the movie.

Jun 24, 2006

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Rosalyn Drexler

Vogue

The picture is anti-war, anti-repression, and full of fun; a charming hour and a half of black humor.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 8, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Its strength resides in a philosophy of self-exploration through personal fulfillment, bodily acceptance and exploration, artistic creation, and spontaneity.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 14, 2022

Full Review

Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

Exemplifies the expression "it shouldn't have worked, but it did" more than any movie I can think of, is a romantic comedy, and also a very dark comedy (50th anniversary)

Rated: 5/5

Dec 31, 2021

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Michael F

There are few stories that I would consider to be perfect. This is one of them.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/24/24

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gioconda d

This is another movie that should teach filmmakers not to use music w singers popular in the era the film is made. Often the movie ages well, but the music does not. The music of "Cat" Stevens was never my cup of tea but over time now that music makes me want to simply shut the movie off. Harold & Maude is a one-of-a-kind movie [love or hate it] but the music makes my hard stand straight on end. Same thing with McCabe & Mrs. Miller & the constant annoying whining voice of Leonard Cohen - which IMHO ruins the movie. If Cohen is your thing, you won't mind. Filmmakers - beware.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/18/24

Full Review

Alan g

Sick movie, sick acting, sick plot. Unbelievable screenplay terrible acting. How did this picture ever get the green light.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

05/31/24

Full Review

Tamara K

Not only is the film itself fabulous but it has one of my favorite soundtracks.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/09/24

Full Review

Joseph H

one word: really good

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/04/24

Full Review

Gorptholemew T

🍅 6.6/10 A funny and odd little film with a lot of truth good watch. Grade B

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/11/23

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Hal Ashby

Director

Bud Cort

Harold Chasen

Ruth Gordon

Maude

Cyril Cusack

Glaucus

Vivian Pickles

Mrs. Chasen

Charles Tyner

Uncle Victor

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Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Dating Questionnaire