Brief Encounter
Returning home from a shopping trip to a nearby town, bored suburban housewife Laura Jesson is thrown by happenstance into an acquaintance with virtuous doctor Alec Harvey. Their casual friendship soon develops during their weekly visits into something more emotionally fulfilling than either expected, and they must wrestle with the potential havoc their deepening relationship would have on their lives and the lives of those they love.
Ratings
Based on audience scoresWhere to stream Brief Encounter
Streaming now in the United States on HBO Max, Criterion Channel, FlixFling, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Shout! Factory TV.
Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, and FlixFling.
Trailers and promos
Trailer
"Could You Really Say Goodbye?" - Brief Encounter's Carnforth Station | BFI
Mark Kermode reviews Brief Encounter (1945) | BFI Player
Rachel Weisz LOVES "Brief Encounter" and "All that Jazz" | BFI
A Re-Encounter 70 Years After 'Brief Encounter'
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Frequently asked questions about Brief Encounter
Where can I watch Brief Encounter in the United States?
Brief Encounter is available to stream on HBO Max, Criterion Channel, FlixFling, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Shout! Factory TV in the United States, and to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, and FlixFling. Streaming availability is provided by JustWatch and can change over time.
Is Brief Encounter on HBO Max?
Yes. Brief Encounter is streaming on HBO Max in the United States, alongside Criterion Channel, FlixFling, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Shout! Factory TV.
Can I watch Brief Encounter for free?
Brief Encounter streams free with ads in the United States on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, and YouTube Free. A subscription is not required, though the service may ask you to register.
What are the ratings for Brief Encounter?
Brief Encounter scores 7.7 on The Movie Database.
Who stars in Brief Encounter?
Brief Encounter stars Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey, and Cyril Raymond. David Lean is the director.
How long is Brief Encounter?
Brief Encounter runs 1h 26m (86 minutes).
When did Brief Encounter come out?
Brief Encounter was released on November 24, 1945.
Which studio made Brief Encounter?
Brief Encounter was produced by Cineguild and J. Arthur Rank Organisation in the United Kingdom.
What was the budget for Brief Encounter?
Brief Encounter was made on a budget of $1,200,000.
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.