Meantime
A working-class family in London's East End is struggling to stay afloat during the recession under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's premiership. Only the mother Mavis is working; father Frank and the couple's two sons Colin, a timid, chronically shy individual and Mark, an outspoken, headstrong young man, are on the dole. This situation is contrasted by the presence of Mavis's sister Barbara, and her husband John, whose financial and social loftiness appears to be a comfortable facade over the unspoken soreness of a lackluster marriage.
Ratings
Based on audience scoresWhere to stream Meantime
Streaming now in the United States on Criterion Channel.
Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Trailers and promos
Meantime trailer (Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, Alfred Molina)
Mike Leigh and Jarvis Cocker Discuss MEANTIME
Mike Leigh in conversation with Jarvis Cocker (Full conversation)
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Frequently asked questions about Meantime
Where can I watch Meantime in the United States?
Meantime is available to stream on Criterion Channel in the United States, and to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability is provided by JustWatch and can change over time.
Can I watch Meantime for free?
Not free in the United States right now. Meantime needs a subscription to Criterion Channel, or you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
What are the ratings for Meantime?
Meantime scores 6.7 on The Movie Database.
Who stars in Meantime?
Meantime stars Phil Daniels, Tim Roth, Jeffrey Robert, Pam Ferris, and Gary Oldman. Mike Leigh is the director.
How long is Meantime?
Meantime runs 1h 47m (107 minutes).
When did Meantime come out?
Meantime was released on October 16, 1983.
Which studio made Meantime?
Meantime was produced by Central Independent Television in the United Kingdom.
Ratings and streaming availability are aggregated from third-party sources; metadata from The Movie Database (TMDB), streaming data from JustWatch. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming availability checked September 2026.