The Big Lebowski (1998)

A slacker, a rug, and a case of mistaken identity collide in the Coen Brothers' wildly inventive cult comedy.

The Big Lebowski - Movie Information

  • Original Title: The Big Lebowski
  • Release Year: 1998
  • Directed by: Joel Coen
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Comedy, Crime
  • Age Rating (US): R
  • Runtime: 1h 57m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English, Hebrew, Spanish, German
  • Release Date (Theatrical): March 6, 1998 (Canada), March 6, 1998 (United States - R), April 24, 1998 (United Kingdom - 18), March 19, 1998 (Germany - 12), April 22, 1998 (France - 12), August 27, 1998 (New Zealand), April 9, 1998 (Australia - MA 15+), July 9, 1999 (Brazil - 14), May 1, 1998 (Italy - T), April 24, 1998 (Spain - 12), October 24, 1998 (South Korea - 19)
  • Alternative Titles: Böyük Lebowski (AZ), El gran Lebowski (ES), �;יג לבובסקי (IL), the big lebowski 1998 (CN), Den store Lebowski (NO), 위대한 뢈보스키 (KR)
  • Production Companies: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Working Title Films
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America

The Big Lebowski - Plot

Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski, a Los Angeles slacker who only wants to bowl and drink White Russians, is mistaken for another Jeffrey Lebowski, a wheelchair-bound millionaire, and finds himself dragged into a strange series of events involving nihilists, adult film producers, ferrets, errant toes, and large sums of money.

The Big Lebowski - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the madness unfold:

Times like these call for a Big Lebowski.

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The Big Lebowski - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Joel Coen

Main Cast

  • Jeff Bridges
  • John Goodman
  • Julianne Moore
  • Steve Buscemi
  • David Huddleston
  • Philip Seymour Hoffman
  • Tara Reid
  • Philip Moon
  • Mark Pellegrino
  • Peter Stormare

Writers

  • Ethan Coen
  • Joel Coen

Producers

  • Ethan Coen

The Big Lebowski - FAQs

Where can you stream The Big Lebowski?

The Big Lebowski is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock Premium. It is also available on YouTube TV. For purchase or rental, you can find it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.

Is The Big Lebowski based on a true story?

The Big Lebowski is not based on a true story, but the character of The Dude was inspired by a real person: Jeff Dowd, a film producer and political activist the Coen Brothers knew. The film's plot and its colorful cast of characters are entirely fictional inventions of writers Joel and Ethan Coen.

Who are the main actors in The Big Lebowski?

The Big Lebowski stars Jeff Bridges as The Dude, John Goodman as Walter Sobchak, Julianne Moore as Maude Lebowski, and Steve Buscemi as Donny. The cast also includes David Huddleston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, Peter Stormare, and John Turturro as the memorable Jesus Quintana.

What is The Big Lebowski about?

The film follows Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski, a laid-back Los Angeles slacker who is mistaken for a wealthy millionaire of the same name. Dragged into a bizarre kidnapping scheme, he navigates a world of nihilists, eccentric artists, and shady dealings, all while trying to get his beloved rug replaced.

Why did The Big Lebowski become a cult classic?

The Big Lebowski initially received a mixed theatrical reception but grew into one of cinema's most beloved cult films through home video and repeat viewings. Its quotable dialogue, eccentric characters, and Jeff Bridges' iconic performance resonated deeply with audiences, spawning an annual Lebowski Fest celebration and a devoted global fanbase.

What is the age rating for The Big Lebowski?

The Big Lebowski is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's strong language, drug use, brief violence, and some sexual content. Viewers under 17 are required to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian in US theaters. It carries an 18 certificate in the United Kingdom.

How long is The Big Lebowski?

The Big Lebowski has a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes (117 minutes). The film was directed by Joel Coen and released theatrically in the United States on March 6, 1998, distributed by Gramercy Pictures under the PolyGram Filmed Entertainment banner.

Who directed and wrote The Big Lebowski?

The Big Lebowski was directed by Joel Coen and written by both Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, the acclaimed filmmaking duo known as the Coen Brothers. The film was produced by Ethan Coen and shot by legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins, with an original score composed by Carter Burwell.

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