Yesterday poster

Yesterday

"Everyone in the world has forgotten The Beatles. Everyone except Jack…"

Movie PG-13 2019 1h 56m 6.7 /10
Directed by Danny Boyle

On a side street in Britain, a struggling singer named Jack Malik locks himself in a small room to chase a dream that keeps slipping away. After a sudden blackout, he discovers the world has no memory of The Beatles and no one else seems to recall their songs. He starts playing their catalog as... Read more

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Where to Watch "Yesterday"

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Streaming availability last verified: January 30, 2026

About Yesterday

On a side street in Britain, a struggling singer named Jack Malik locks himself in a small room to chase a dream that keeps slipping away. After a sudden blackout, he discovers the world has no memory of The Beatles and no one else seems to recall their songs. He starts playing their catalog as if they were his original creations, and overnight he becomes a global sensation, dazzling audiences with beloved tunes they've never heard before. As fame blooms, he navigates the ethical gray area of taking credit for songs he did not write while his relationship with Ellie grows more complicated, painting a portrait of art, truth and ambition. He also learns to trust his own voice.

Directed by Danny Boyle, the film arrives in 2019 with an original screenplay by Richard Curtis and Jack Barth. It isn't adapted from a novel or play, but built around a high concept that blends music, fantasy and romance boldly.

With a budget of 26 million, Yesterday went on to gross about 154.6 million worldwide overall, signaling a solid return for a musical fantasy with broad appeal. The strong domestic and international performance underscored the film's accessible blend of humor and heart.

The movie leans on The Beatles catalog to spark jokes and emotional moments, and it raises questions about originality in a world where technology can reshape memory. Fans discussed the soundtrack as a standout element, while the premise fed conversations about pop culture nostalgia and reinvention across audiences and critics.

Critics generally praised the performance and warmth, even as they noted some tonal shifts. The film explores themes of memory and fame, the ethics of credit, and the redemptive power of music in forming connections. It balances light humor with affection and a bittersweet emotional undertone that resonates with viewers.

What Viewers Are Saying

6.7/10
from 4,177 ratings

Audiences latch onto the premise of a guy who wakes after a bus crash to a world where no one remembers The Beatles and uses their songs to shoot to fame. Many feel the idea collapses into a one-joke film with a thin screenplay, even as Himesh Patel's charm and Lily James' Ellie keep things watchable. People praise the witty dialogue and the Beatles soundtrack, but they wish the romance and the pacing had more depth.

Details

Release Date
June 26, 2019
Runtime
1h 56m
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
4,177 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Comedy, Fantasy, Music, Romance
Country
United Kingdom
Studio
Working Title Films +1 more
Budget
$26,000,000
Box Office
$154,608,856
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Himesh Patel

Himesh Patel

Jack Malik

Lily James

Lily James

Ellie Appleton

Sophia Di Martino

Sophia Di Martino

Carol

Ellise Chappell

Ellise Chappell

Lucy

Meera Syal

Meera Syal

Sheila Malik

Harry Michell

Harry Michell

Nick

Vincent Franklin

Vincent Franklin

Brian

Joel Fry

Joel Fry

Rocky

Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka

Karma Sood

Karma Sood

Young Jack

Director: Danny Boyle

Written by: Richard Curtis, Jack Barth

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 6.7/10 from 4,177 viewers, Yesterday is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

On a side street in Britain, a struggling singer named Jack Malik locks himself in a small room to chase a dream that keeps slipping away. After a sudden blackout, he discovers the world has no memory of The Beatles and no one else seems to recall their songs. He starts playing their catalog as i...

Yesterday stars Himesh Patel, Lily James, Sophia Di Martino, Ellise Chappell, and Meera Syal.

Yesterday was directed by Danny Boyle.

Yesterday was released on June 26, 2019.

Yesterday is a Comedy, Fantasy, Music, and Romance film.

No, Yesterday is a fictional film about a struggling musician who discovers he's in an alternate reality where The Beatles were forgotten. There aren't real events that mirror its premise.

Himesh Patel plays Jack Malik, a struggling musician who becomes famous after realizing he's the only person who remembers The Beatles in a world where the band is forgotten. His performances of Beatles songs drive the plot.

No, Yesterday is not a horror film. It's a light hearted blend of comedy, fantasy, music and romance.

Yesterday is rated PG-13, so it's generally suited for viewers 13 and older. It blends humor, romance and musical moments with some mild content.