Northern Lights (1998): cast, story & where to watch
1998 · Film · ★ 5.6

Released in 1998, Northern Lights is a drama, family and tv movie film directed by Linda Yellen, running about 111 minutes. “Fate brought her to a small town. But it will take a miracle to keep her there.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. A stranger's call informs Roberta that her estranged brother Frank has died in a small town under bizarre circumstances. Ben, his best friend from college, also gets the call. Arriving just in time for his funeral, it becomes quickly obvious to them that the little slice of small-town America in which they find themselves is like an episode of The Twilight Zone featuring Frank's eccentric friends, his amazing secrets and his stunning final request. Both Ben and Roberta are shocked to discover that Frank not only had a child, but that he has left them responsible for his son's care.
Who’s in it. Northern Lights stars Diane Keaton as Roberta Blumstein, Maury Chaykin as Ben Rubadue, Joseph Cross as Jack and Kathleen York as Daphne, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.6/10, Northern Lights has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Northern Lights page.
If you liked it. Fans of Northern Lights tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Northern Lights (1998)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Northern Lights change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Northern Lights worth watching?
- Northern Lights holds an audience score of 5.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, family and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Northern Lights?
- Northern Lights stars Diane Keaton, Maury Chaykin, Joseph Cross, Kathleen York and Frank C. Turner.
- When was Northern Lights released?
- Northern Lights was released in 1998, with a runtime of about 111 minutes.
