The Natural
Directed by Barry LevinsonAn unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league in this magical sports fantasy. With the aid of a bat cut from a lightning struck tree, Hobbs lives the fame he should have had earlier when, as a rising pitcher, he is inexplicably shot by a young woman.
The Natural Ratings & Reviews
- ecnalFebruary 7, 2026An enjoyable watch. Good character development. A little fantastical, but I think that was intentional. A solid four stars.
- Mister ArnMay 16, 2025I was not too fond of the use of flashbacks in building the story. Like most sports stories, you know where it's going, but I still enjoyed the ride.
- flavo43December 6, 2025The Natural (1984) transforms baseball into pure cinematic poetry, capturing the sport’s beauty with stunning visuals and a haunting score. The film’s slow pacing and use of slow motion elevate the game into something majestic, highlighting moments of triumph and struggle in ways rarely seen on screen. Its story blends realism with fantasy, weaving themes of good versus evil into a surreal narrative that feels timeless. Robert Redford’s portrayal of Roy Hobbs anchors the film with quiet intensity, though the decision to have him play both a 19-year-old and a 39-year-old is admittedly distracting. A younger actor might have made the early scenes more convincing. Still, the film’s atmosphere, emotional resonance, and mythic tone outweigh this odd choice. The Natural succeeds as both a sports drama and a fable, reminding audiences that baseball can be more than a game—it can be legend.
- KatLynnH0wSeptember 25, 2025One of the greatest baseball movies of all time!
- Eric BakkeJanuary 15, 2025The Natural is a timeless story of second chances and redemption, capturing the triumph of overcoming past mistakes in the pursuit of greatness. With a standout Randy Newman score that echoes the spirit of Aaron Copland Americana, the film's music perfectly complements its heroic narrative, making it one of the most iconic and soulful sports movies ever made.
- mickerdooAugust 25, 2025A little too foggy and cryptic. Wish it would have laid more stuff out on the line instead of all the cloak and dagger.
The Natural Trivia
The Natural was released on May 11, 1984.
The Natural was directed by Barry Levinson.
The Natural has a runtime of 2h 17m.
The Natural was produced by Mark Johnson.
An unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league in this magical sports fantasy. With the aid of a bat cut from a lightning struck tree, Hobbs lives the fame he should have had earlier when, as a rising pitcher, he is inexplicably shot by a young woman.
The key characters in The Natural are Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford), Max Mercy (Robert Duvall), Iris Gaines (Glenn Close).
The Natural is rated PG.
The Natural is a Drama, Sport film.
The Natural has an audience rating of 8.8 out of 10.
The Natural had a budget of $28M.
The Natural has made $48M at the box office.