Great Expectations (1999): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1999, Great Expectations is a drama and romance film directed by Julian Jarrold, running about 168 minutes.

What it’s about. A young boy called Pip stumbles upon a hunted criminal who threatens him and demands food. A few years later, Pip finds that he has a benefactor. Imagining that Miss Havisham, a rich lady whose adopted daughter Estella he loves, is the benefactor, Pip believes in a grand plan at the end of which he will be married to Estella. However, when the criminal from his childhood turns up one stormy night and reveals that he, Magwitch, is his benefactor, Pip finds his dreams crumbling. Although initially repulsed by his benefactor, Pip gradually becomes loyal to him and stays with him until his death.

Who’s in it. Great Expectations stars Ioan Gruffudd as Pip, Justine Waddell as Estella, Charlotte Rampling as Miss Havisham and Laura Aikman as Young Biddy, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.4/10, Great Expectations 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 Great Expectations page.

If you liked it. Fans of Great Expectations tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.