Defending Your Life (1991): cast, story & where to watch
1991 · Film · ★ 6.9
Released in 1991, Defending Your Life is a comedy, fantasy and romance film directed by Albert Brooks, running about 112 minutes. “The first true story of what happens after you die.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Is there love after death? After he dies suddenly, the hapless advertising executive Daniel Miller finds himself in Judgment City, a gleaming way station where the newly deceased must prove they lived a life of sufficient courage to advance in their journey through the universe. As the self-doubting Daniel struggles to make his case, a budding relationship with the uninhibited Julia offers him a chance to finally feel alive.
Who’s in it. Defending Your Life stars Albert Brooks as Daniel Miller, Meryl Streep as Julia, Rip Torn as Bob Diamond and Lee Grant as Lena Foster, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.9/10, Defending Your Life has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Defending Your Life page.
If you liked it. Fans of Defending Your Life tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Defending Your Life (1991)?
- In US, Defending Your Life is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Defending Your Life worth watching?
- Defending Your Life holds an audience score of 6.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy, fantasy and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Defending Your Life?
- Defending Your Life stars Albert Brooks, Meryl Streep, Rip Torn, Lee Grant and Michael Durrell.
- When was Defending Your Life released?
- Defending Your Life was released in 1991, with a runtime of about 112 minutes.