August Rush poster

August Rush

"An incredible journey moving at the speed of sound."

Movie PG 2007 1h 54m 7.4 /10
Directed by Kirsten Sheridan

August Rush is a gifted orphan who treats music as a map to the world. Raised amid shelters and buskers in New York, he hears melodies in every sound and turns them into songs. His improvisational talent opens doors and connects him with strangers who become guardians along the way. As he pieces... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 20, 2026

About August Rush

August Rush is a gifted orphan who treats music as a map to the world. Raised amid shelters and buskers in New York, he hears melodies in every sound and turns them into songs. His improvisational talent opens doors and connects him with strangers who become guardians along the way. As he pieces together the meaning of family, the film follows his improvisational adventures, the beats he creates on stairwells and street corners, and his relentless curiosity about where his own rhythms come from. The story stays clear of dramatic twists, focusing on hope, heart, and harmony. Along the way, a streetwise mentor named Wizard offers guidance and a gentle push toward self discovery through music.

Released in 2007, August Rush was directed by Kirsten Sheridan and built from a story by James V Hart, Nick Castle and Paul Castro. The film blends a heartfelt family premise with a strong musical backbone and kid friendly humor.

Despite a modest budget, August Rush earned $66,122,026 worldwide, illustrating solid commercial performance for a family drama rooted in music. The picture opened mid year and found audiences with families and fans of uplifting stories, generating steady box office legs.

The film's soundtrack blends pop and classical motifs, giving August Rush a sonic hook that sticks with listeners after the credits roll. Robin Williams delivers a warm performance as Wizard, a rogue mentor whose offbeat wisdom helps the boy translate feelings into songs. That dynamic adds humor to the emotional core.

Critics generally praised the performances and music, while some noted the story follows familiar family finding tropes. The film navigates themes of belonging, chosen families, and the healing power of art, showing how passion can bridge gaps between strangers and kin. Its optimistic tone sticks with you, leaving a hopeful sense of belonging.

Details

Release Date
November 21, 2007
Runtime
1h 54m
Rating
PG
User Ratings
2,797 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Family, Drama, Music
Country
United States
Studio
Warner Bros. Pictures +3 more
Budget
$25,000,000
Box Office
$66,122,026
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Freddie Highmore

Freddie Highmore

August Rush

Keri Russell

Keri Russell

Lyla Novacek

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Louis Connelly

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard

Richard Jeffries

Robin Williams

Robin Williams

Maxwell "Wizard" Wallace

William Sadler

William Sadler

Thomas Novacek

Marian Seldes

Marian Seldes

The Dean

Mykelti Williamson

Mykelti Williamson

Reverend James

Leon Thomas III

Leon Thomas III

Arthur

Aaron Staton

Aaron Staton

Nick

Director: Kirsten Sheridan

Written by: James V. Hart, Nick Castle, Paul Castro

Frequently Asked Questions

August Rush is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 7.4/10 from 2,797 viewers, August Rush is well-received and recommended by the community. It's a good pick if you enjoy family, drama, and music stories.

August Rush is a gifted orphan who treats music as a map to the world. Raised amid shelters and buskers in New York, he hears melodies in every sound and turns them into songs. His improvisational talent opens doors and connects him with strangers who become guardians along the way. As he pieces ...

August Rush is a fictional story about a young musical prodigy, not a true-life tale. The film follows August's journey and his parents as a work of imagination.

Freddie Highmore stars as August Rush, the film's central musical prodigy. His journey anchors the story as he uses his gift to find his family.