As Good as It Gets Poster

As Good as It Gets 1997

★ 7.44,080 votes139 min📅 1997-12-19

"A comedy from the heart that goes for the throat."

Dive into the sharp-witted yet deeply heartfelt world of *As Good as It Gets (1997)*, James L. Brooks' masterful blend of drama and comedy that explores the messy, transformative power of human connection.

Director: James L. Brooks

Cast

Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson
Melvin Udall
Helen Hunt
Helen Hunt
Carol Connelly
Greg Kinnear
Greg Kinnear
Simon Bishop
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Frank Sachs
Shirley Knight
Shirley Knight
Beverly Connelly
Jesse James
Jesse James
Spencer Connelly
Yeardley Smith
Yeardley Smith
Jackie Simpson
Lupe Ontiveros
Lupe Ontiveros
Nora Manning
Skeet Ulrich
Skeet Ulrich
Vincent Lopiano
Harold Ramis
Harold Ramis
Dr. Bettes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *As Good as It Gets (1997)* about?

The film follows Melvin Udall, a misanthropic novelist with severe OCD, as he navigates an uneasy friendship with Carol, a waitress and single mother, and Simon, his gay artist neighbor. When Simon is assaulted in a robbery, their lives intertwine in ways that challenge their prejudices and lead to unexpected personal growth.

Who directed *As Good as It Gets*?

James L. Brooks, the acclaimed filmmaker behind *Broadcast News* and *Terms of Endearment*, directed the film with a keen eye for balancing humor and emotional depth.

Who stars in *As Good as It Gets*?

The film features Jack Nicholson as the neurotic Melvin Udall, Helen Hunt as the resilient Carol Connelly, and Greg Kinnear as the charismatic artist Simon Bishop.

Is *As Good as It Gets (1997)* worth watching?

Absolutely. With a runtime of nearly 2.5 hours packed with sharp dialogue, stellar performances, and genuine moments of warmth, it's a rare gem that delivers both laughs and tears. The chemistry between Nicholson and Hunt alone makes it a must-see.

How long is *As Good as It Gets*?

The film runs for 139 minutes, or just over 2 hours and 19 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

As Good as It Gets (1997): A Comedy-Drama About Healing and Human Connection — Full Movie Info

Dive into the sharp-witted yet deeply heartfelt world of *As Good as It Gets (1997)*, James L. Brooks' masterful blend of drama and comedy that explores the messy, transformative power of human connection. The film follows Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson), a brilliant but irrationally rude and obsessive-compulsive novelist, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt), a warm-hearted waitress and single mother struggling to make ends meet. Their unlikely bond deepens when Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear), a flamboyant gay artist and Melvin's neighbor, becomes the target of a violent robbery, forcing all three into an uneasy alliance that challenges their preconceptions and forces them to confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities.

Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, *As Good as It Gets (1997)* balances biting humor with poignant introspection, capturing the raw beauty of imperfection. With Brooks' sharp direction and standout performances from Nicholson, Hunt, and Kinnear, the film dives into themes of redemption, isolation, and the unexpected friendships that can change our lives forever.