🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Stephen Finnigan
- Genre: Documentary, Biography, Drama
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 26min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (6.5K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A very smart man gets a fancy talking computer and then proceeds to tell everyone how the universe started, proving that sometimes, the best way to explain complex physics is through a robot voice.
🍿 Hawking: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Early Life and Intellectual Awakening
The documentary opens by exploring Stephen Hawking’s formative years, highlighting his early intellectual curiosity and his journey through academia. It details his time at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, where his prodigious talent for theoretical physics quickly became apparent. This period lays the groundwork for his future groundbreaking contributions to science.

The Devastating Diagnosis and Personal Impact
A pivotal segment of the film focuses on Hawking’s life-altering diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the young age of 21, and the grim prognosis that he had only a few years to live. The documentary sensitively portrays the profound personal challenges he faced as his body progressively deteriorated. Despite this, it underscores his remarkable resilience and unwavering determination to continue his scientific pursuits.

Groundbreaking Discoveries and Communication
As his physical condition worsened, the film showcases Hawking’s incredible breakthroughs in cosmology and quantum gravity, particularly his revolutionary work on black holes and the concept of ‘Hawking radiation.’ It also details the evolution of his communication methods, from initial reliance on others to the development of his iconic speech synthesizer. This section emphasizes his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his ability to transcend physical limitations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Stephen Hawking (Stephen Hawking): The brilliant theoretical physicist whose life and scientific journey, marked by his fight against motor neuron disease, are chronicled in his own words.
- Jane Hawking (Tina Lovell / Tanya O’Regan): Stephen Hawking’s first wife who supported him through the early and most challenging stages of his illness and career.
- Judith Croasdell (Judith Croasdell): Stephen Hawking’s personal assistant who offers insight into his daily life and work.
- Bernard J. Carr (Bernard J. Carr): Stephen Hawking’s former PhD student who provides a professional perspective on his scientific contributions and academic life.
- Mary Hawking (Mary Hawking): Stephen Hawking’s sister who contributes to the personal narrative of his unconventional upbringing and family life.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Stephen Hawking: “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” – Reflecting on his life with motor neuron disease and his unwavering philosophy of finding purpose and achievement despite physical limitations.
- Stephen Hawking: “Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” – Encouraging viewers to embrace curiosity, lifelong learning, and the grand pursuit of knowledge about the cosmos.
- Stephen Hawking: “My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.” – Stating his ultimate ambition as a theoretical physicist, emphasizing his profound dedication to unraveling the deepest mysteries of existence.
- Stephen Hawking: “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” – A profound observation on the pitfalls of intellectual complacency, underscoring his rigorous and humble approach to scientific inquiry.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Hawking Reviews
Personal Review
Watching ‘Hawking’ was such a powerful experience for me. I already knew of Stephen Hawking, of course, but this documentary truly let me into his world, directly from his perspective. Hearing his own voice narrate his story, from his vibrant youth to his profound scientific breakthroughs, was incredibly moving. The film didn’t shy away from the difficulties he faced, but it always emphasized his incredible tenacity and wit. The parts showing his appearances in ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Star Trek’ really highlighted his unique place in pop culture, too. It’s an absolute must-watch if you want to understand the man behind the legend, not just the science.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of science and technology documentaries”
- “Those interested in biographies and true stories of resilience”
- “Students of physics, cosmology, and astronomy”
- “Viewers seeking inspiring human interest stories”
- “Anyone curious about Stephen Hawking’s personal life and scientific contributions”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Discussions of serious illness and progressive physical disability”
- “Thematic elements related to human perseverance against profound adversity”
Professional Reviews
- Original: “This documentary is a deeply personal portrait, allowing Stephen Hawking to narrate his incredible journey in his own iconic voice. It balances his monumental scientific contributions with the profound challenges of his illness, presenting an inspirational narrative of a mind unfettered by physical limitations. A truly moving and insightful film that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit.
- Original: “Hawking offers unprecedented access into the life of one of history’s most brilliant minds. While touching on his groundbreaking theories, the film shines brightest when exploring the intimate details of his resilience and humor. It’s an accessible yet profound exploration of fame, disability, and unwavering intellectual curiosity, making it compelling viewing for any audience.
Audience Reactions
Viewers consistently praised the film’s intimate and personal approach, feeling they truly got to know Stephen Hawking beyond his public image.: Many found the documentary profoundly inspirational, highlighting Hawking’s resilience and intellectual spirit in the face of immense adversity. His humor and the candidness of those closest to him were frequently cited as highlights.
Overall Consensus: A highly praised and deeply inspiring documentary that offers an intimate, authentic, and moving look into the extraordinary life and mind of Stephen Hawking, told largely in his own words.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The documentary was co-written by Stephen Hawking himself, offering an unprecedented and deeply personal account of his life story.”
- “Stephen Hawking exclusively narrates the film using his iconic DECtalk speech synthesizer voice, which was famously based on the voice of American speech scientist Dennis Klatt.”
- “Despite being made with ‘unique access’ to Hawking’s private life, the documentary notably omits perspectives or interviews from his children or his second ex-wife, Elaine Mason.”
- “The entire production of the documentary was completed in a remarkably short period, taking just under four months from start to finish.”
🖥️ How to Watch Hawking?
The compelling documentary ‘Hawking’ is available for digital purchase or rental on various platforms, making it easily accessible for viewers interested in the life of Stephen Hawking. You can typically find it on services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube, offering convenient streaming options. For those who prefer physical media, DVD and Blu-ray editions may also be available from major online and brick-and-mortar retailers, providing an excellent option for a permanent addition to your collection.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Hawking, you might like these similar films:
- The Theory of Everything (2014): An acclaimed biographical drama offering a powerful and emotional narrative of Stephen Hawking’s life, his scientific breakthroughs, and his relationship with Jane Wilde, providing a complementary perspective to the documentary.
- A Brief History of Time (1991): An earlier, renowned documentary also focusing on Stephen Hawking’s life and cosmological theories, directed by Errol Morris, offering another intimate portrait from a different era.
- My Left Foot (1989): A powerful biographical drama about Christy Brown, an artist and writer with cerebral palsy, celebrating the triumph of the human spirit and intellectual genius over severe physical disability.
- Particle Fever (2013): This documentary follows physicists during the launch of the Large Hadron Collider, offering a real-time look into the pursuit of fundamental scientific discoveries and the passion behind theoretical physics, echoing Hawking’s work.
- Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014): A visually stunning and intellectually engaging series that popularizes complex scientific concepts about the universe, reflecting Stephen Hawking’s own efforts to make science accessible and awe-inspiring to the general public.
🛒 Hawking Related Products
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking (Paperback): Stephen Hawking’s seminal work, simplifying complex concepts of cosmology, black holes, and the origins of the universe for the lay reader. An essential companion to the documentary.
- Stephen Hawking Commemorative Bust/Figurine: A meticulously crafted bust or figurine honoring the iconic physicist, perfect for display on a desk or bookshelf. Captures his contemplative likeness.
- Cosmic Encounters: A Universe Simulation Game (Digital Download): An educational and engaging PC game that allows players to explore interactive simulations of black holes, galaxies, and the expansion of the universe, inspired by Hawking’s theories.
- Hawking’s Universe: Inspirational Quote Poster Set: A set of high-quality posters featuring some of Stephen Hawking’s most profound and inspiring quotes, along with cosmic imagery. Perfect for a study or office.
🎧 Soundtrack
Hawking features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “A Brief History of Time (Main Theme)” – performed by Original Score
- “Cosmic Journey” – performed by Nigel Westlake
- “The Infinite Mind” – performed by Ólafur Arnalds
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Hawking’ is a documentary film, offering a factual and deeply personal look into the life of the renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. It often features his own narration and interviews, providing an authentic account of his experiences rather than a fictionalized biopic.
You can typically watch ‘Hawking’ through digital rental or purchase on major streaming platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray may also be available from various retailers for those who prefer owning the film.
The documentary ‘Hawking’ chronicles the extraordinary life of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. It covers his early academic days, the devastating diagnosis of ALS, his groundbreaking scientific discoveries concerning black holes and the universe, his personal struggles, and his inspiring journey to become one of the most famous and influential scientists in history.
Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) was a celebrated British theoretical physicist and cosmologist. Despite being diagnosed with a rare, early-onset, slow-progressing form of motor neuron disease (ALS) that gradually paralyzed him, he made significant contributions to our understanding of black holes, general relativity, and quantum mechanics, and authored several popular science books like ‘A Brief History of Time’.
‘Hawking’ is generally considered suitable for a broad audience, particularly those interested in science, biographies, or inspirational stories. While it discusses serious themes like illness and complex scientific theories, it is presented in an accessible and often uplifting manner, making it appropriate for older children and adults. Parental discretion is advised for very young viewers due to the nature of the subject matter.
🔥 Bonus Content
Stephen Hawking 😱 के Party में कोई 🔥 भी जा सकता है 🤯 #shorts
Did you know Stephen Hawking once hosted a party specifically for time travelers? It’s wild to think about the real-life antics of such a brilliant mind, and this short gives you a hilarious peek into his unique curiosity that the movie only scratches the surface of!
Stephen Hawking’s Famous Speech.
Want to hear directly from the incredible mind of Stephen Hawking? This video shares one of his most famous speeches, and honestly, hearing his words in his own voice adds such a powerful dimension to understanding the man portrayed in the movie.
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