Meet Joe Black (1998)

Meet Joe Black is a contemplative drama with a fantastical premise and a romantic core. When Death materializes in the body of a handsome young man calling himself Joe Black (Brad Pitt), he makes a bargain with wealthy media mogul William Parrish (Anthony Hopkins): more time on Earth in exchange for a guided tour of human life. Assigned to show him how people live, love and hurt, William reluctantly becomes Joe’s teacher — and unwittingly places his family, business and legacy at the center of an extraordinary experiment. The film moves deliberately, trading action for atmosphere. It balances melancholy and gentle humor as an otherworldly being awkwardly navigates everyday pleasures and social rituals, while genuine emotional stakes emerge when Joe falls for William’s daughter, Susan (Claire Forlani). Hopkins anchors the story with warmth and gravitas; Pitt’s quiet, enigmatic performance gives the supernatural visitor an oddly tender curiosity. The result is part romance, part fable: a bittersweet exploration of mortality, desire, sacrifice and what it means to truly live. Seeing Meet Joe Black is an experience more felt than solved. Expect a slow-burning, elegiac mood, lush settings and intimate character moments rather than fast plot turns. Viewers will be drawn into thoughtful, often touching scenes about family, power and the fleeting nature of life — culminating in emotional confrontations and difficult choices that linger long after the credits roll.

Actors: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Claire Forlani

Director: Martin Brest

Runtime: 178 min

Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

6.3 /10 43 /100 7.2 /10 5.9 /10