Waking Life poster
Where to stream

Waking Life

7.520011h 41mRMovieAnimationDramaFantasy

Waking Life is about a young man in a persistent lucid dream-like state. The film follows its protagonist as he initially observes and later participates in philosophical discussions that weave together issues like reality, free will, our relationships with others, and the meaning of life.

DirectorRichard Linklater
WriterRichard Linklater
ProducersAnne Walker-McBay·Tommy Pallotta

Where to watch

Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Richard Linklater

EHEthan Hawke
Ethan Hawke
Jesse
JDJulie Delpy
Julie Delpy
Celine
WWWiley Wiggins
Wiley Wiggins
Main Character
BWBill Wise
Bill Wise
Boat Car Guy
AJAlex E. Jones
Alex E. Jones
Man in Car with P.A.
SSSteven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh
Interviewed on Television
KWKen Webster
Ken Webster
Bartender
CGCharles Gunning
Charles Gunning
Angry Man in Jail
LLLorelei Linklater
Lorelei Linklater
Young Girl Playing Paper Game
TB
Trevor Jack Brooks
Young Boy Playing Paper Game
GG
Glover Gill
Accordion Player
LH
Lara Hicks
Violin Player

More from Richard Linklater · Director

Before Sunrise
Before Sunrise
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Blue Moon
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The School of Rock
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Dazed and Confused
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1993 · 7.3
Hit Man
Hit Man
2024 · 6.8
Before Sunset
Before Sunset
2004 · 7.8
Boyhood
Boyhood
2014 · 7.5
Before Midnight
Before Midnight
2013 · 7.5
Where'd You Go, Bernadette
Where'd You Go, Bernadette
2019 · 6.6
Nouvelle Vague
Nouvelle Vague
2025 · 7.2
See all fromRichard Linklater

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Waking Life — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Waking Life?

Waking Life isn't on any subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. It's not on Netflix.

Is Waking Life on Netflix?

No, Waking Life is not on Netflix in United States as of October 2026. You can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

Is Waking Life on Amazon Prime Video?

Waking Life isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch Waking Life for free?

Waking Life isn't available free in United States; you can only rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.