The Grapes of Wrath

Play trailer

2:21

The Grapes of Wrath

1940

2h 9m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

49 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

A potent drama that is as socially important today as when it was made, The Grapes of Wrath is affecting, moving, and deservedly considered an American classic.

Read Critics Reviews

Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

08/29/2012

Movies will probably go on improving and broadening themselves; but in any event, The Grapes of Wrath is the most mature picture story that has ever been made, in feeling, in purpose, and in the use of the medium.

Go to Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/28/2010

5/5

Classic John Steinbeck adaptation is still powerful.

Go to Full Review

Chuck Bowen

Slant Magazine

11/22/2010

4/4

The Grapes of Wrath is flawed, but it captures that shiver of panic that grips anyone for whom the money for the next meal is unknown.

Go to Full Review

Adrian Turner

Radio Times

07/22/2024

5/5

In this magnificent adaptation of John Steinbeck's Depression-era novel, Henry Fonda plays the farmer who leads his family from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promised land of California.

Go to Full Review

Dilys Powell

Sunday Times (UK)

08/09/2022

The Grapes of Wrath is not just a film, not just a tragedy, not just a social indictment even; it is an experience; it is history unfolding like a terrible fungus; it is America.

Go to Full Review

Gil Perez

Cine-Mundial

07/08/2022

Everyone who can will surely see this, as it will be the most talked about spectacle of the season, everywhere. [Full review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Mike W

Sep 23

It is an awesome movie every part being as relevant today as it was 85 years ago. Hard to watch given the brutal reality faced by Sooners of the past. I have watched parts of it over the years but sat down from beginning to end tonight, and am better for it. John Carridine was excellent. He often does not get enough credit. I highly recommend it.

See more

Stephen C

@bob25009 Jun 9

Success in 2 hours and 9 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See more

William B

Feb 5

Very good movie. Recommended for anyone going through a hard time.

See more

Ron W

01/24/2025

Other than the characteristic "overacting" so common in early films, this movie is basically perfect. The story rings as true today as when it was written. Beautiful story of human struggle.

See more

Andrew O

12/05/2024

This is one of the greatest American movies ever made. When I was younger Tom Joad was an inspiration, but as an adult the Ma character really is captivating. Watching her go from burning her last belongs to being the glue that holds the family together is an amazing transition. Her fear and loss are replaced by strength. The book has little hope, but the movie adaptation has more hope than most movies you will ever see. Ma tells a story about how men and women face adversity differently, but how "the people" are the ones who make this nation and the dreams of all a reality.

See more

David S

11/28/2024

Yes -John Ford delivers a tremendous portrait here of the great depression. Mesmerizing in many ways - stirs up real emotions.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

John Ford

Director

Henry Fonda

Tom Joad

Jane Darwell

Ma Joad

John Carradine

Casy

Charley Grapewin

Grandpa

Dorris Bowdon

Rosasharn

Blood and Sand

100%

67%

Blood and Sand

Watchlist

The Pied Piper

100%

78%

The Pied Piper

Watchlist

Lifeboat

90%

87%

Lifeboat

Watchlist

Forever Amber

18%

62%

Forever Amber

Watchlist

Inferno

100%

55%

Inferno

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The Grapes of Wrath: Trailer 1

2:21

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.

Director: John Ford
Producer: Darryl F Zanuck
Screenwriter: Nunnally Johnson
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 1940, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Runtime: 2h 9m

Most Popular at Home Now