Trainspotting
Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out despite the allure of drugs and the influence of friends.
Directed by Danny Boyle · Crime · Drama · 93 min · 1996
Trailer
Director
Danny Boyle
Studio
Channel Four Films / Figment Films / Noel Gay Motion Picture Company
Release
09 Aug 1996
Runtime
93 min
Genres
Crime, Drama
Full Plot
A wild, freeform, Rabelaisian trip through the darkest recesses of Edinburgh low-life, focusing on Mark Renton and his attempt to give up his heroin habit, and how the latter affects his relationship with family and friends: Sean Connery wannabe Sick Boy, dimbulb Spud, psycho Begbie, 14-year-old girlfriend Diane, and clean-cut athlete Tommy, who's never touched drugs but can't help being curious about them...
Cast & Characters
Daniel "Spud" Murphy
Ewen Bremner
Simon "Sick Boy" Williamson
Jonny Lee Miller
Francis "Franco" Begbie
Robert Carlyle
Thomas "Tommy" Mackenzie
Kevin McKidd
Diane Coulston
Kelly Macdonald
Swanney "Mother Superior"
Peter Mullan
Mrs Coulson
Fiona Bell
Mr Coulson
Vincent Friell
Lizzy
Pauline Lynch
Allison
Susan Vidler
Did You Know?
Made on an estimated budget of $4.0M, Trainspotting has grossed $72.0M worldwide — about 18.0x its budget.
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
Trainspotting is part of TMDb's "Trainspotting Collection."
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
Trainspotting was screened at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival but was shown out of competition, according to the filmmakers, due to its subject.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-03
Critical Assessment
Trainspotting holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (765,284 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83/100 on Metacritic.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of July 30, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
India
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.1/10 on IMDb (765,284 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83/100 on Metacritic), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trainspotting's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
Trainspotting holds a 93% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Trainspotting's IMDb rating?+
Trainspotting has a 8.1/10 rating on IMDb from 765,284 votes.
What is Trainspotting's Metacritic score?+
Trainspotting has a Metascore of 83/100 on Metacritic.
Is Trainspotting good? What are critics saying?+
Trainspotting holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (765,284 votes), 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83/100 on Metacritic.
How long is Trainspotting?+
Trainspotting has a runtime of 93 min.
Who directed Trainspotting?+
Trainspotting was directed by Danny Boyle.
Where can I watch Trainspotting?+
Trainspotting is available to stream, rent, or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home, Plex, Amazon Video, Rakuten TV, Sky Store, Curzon Home Cinema, BFI Player, YouTube.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The public reaction to the 1996 film "Trainspotting" has been largely positive. The movie's dark wit and gritty portrayal of addiction have resonated with viewers, particularly those familiar with the original Scottish setting. Reviewers praise the performances, particularly from Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, and Ewen Bremner.
Viewer Reviews (TMDb)
25 years on, and this Danny Boyle effort has lost little of it's authentic, gritty, potency. Set in mid 1990s Edinburgh it follows the antics of a disparate group of friends whose only goals in life are to survive, maybe get laid, and to take each day as it comes... "Begbie" (Rob…
CinemaSerf · 7/10Not the most enthralling, but <em>'Trainspotting'</em> does have plenty to say - and boy does it portray it! There are particularly strong performances from Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner and Robert Carlyle. I didn't like watching the bunch of characters given how severely unlikeabl…
r96sk · 9/10**Trainspotting** (1996) _Directed by Danny Boyle_ Danny Boyle's Trainspotting is sardonic in the truest sense, both in style and story. It doesn't make fun of addiction, doesn't glamorize it, doesn't preach about it. Instead, it presents the whole grotesque cycle with dark wit a…
badelf · 9/10
From the trailer's comments
Classic movie that could really use a 4K remaster. Please make it happen, Paramount!
@rayha2922 · 34 likesWell before I saw Trainspotting: Sean Connery was my favourite scotsman... But now I have to say it's sickboy!
@ahimmler2317 · 5 likesMe trainspotting at little stations with passing trains be like 0:43
@HorizonSpottingGermany-kd6kh · 2 likesAll time, favorite one of my all time favorite, I should say
@saranbjfreed7366 · 2 likesthank you
@untildagrave · 1 likesSimply put IMO this movie is FABULOUS ! ☝️🤗🙏♥️👈
@RandolphStephenson-q1l · 0 likesThis content is so underrated!
@YourTiktokGirls · 0 likesYou never disappoint with your videos!
@Tikitokiboom · 0 likes
