Release CalendarDVD & Blu-ray ReleasesTop 250 MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsIn TheatersComing SoonMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
    What's on TV & StreamingTop 250 TV ShowsMost Popular TV ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV NewsIndia TV Spotlight
    What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsBest Picture WinnersBest Picture WinnersEmmysAPA Heritage MonthSTARmeter AwardsSan Diego Comic-ConNew York Comic-ConSundance Film FestivalToronto Int'l Film FestivalAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
    Born TodayMost Popular CelebsMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
    Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
For Industry Professionals
  • All
  • Titles
  • TV Episodes
  • Celebs
  • Companies
  • Keywords
  • Advanced Search
Watchlist
Sign In
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)

Trainspotting

  • 19961996
  • RR
  • 1h 33m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
674K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
655
97
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner, and Kelly Macdonald in Trainspotting (1996)
Trailer for Trainspotting
Play trailer1:55
3 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Drama

Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.

IMDb RATING
8.1/10
674K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
655
97
  • Director
    • Danny Boyle
  • Writers
    • Irvine Welsh(based on the novel by)
    • John Hodge(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Ewan McGregor
    • Ewen Bremner
    • Jonny Lee Miller
Top credits
  • Director
    • Danny Boyle
  • Writers
    • Irvine Welsh(based on the novel by)
    • John Hodge(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Ewan McGregor
    • Ewen Bremner
    • Jonny Lee Miller
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 674User reviews
    • 154Critic reviews
    • 83Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #167
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 23 wins & 35 nominations total

    Videos3

    Trainspotting: Blu-Ray
    Trailer 1:55
    Trainspotting: Blu-Ray
    Trainspotting
    Trailer 0:31
    Trainspotting
    'Trainspotting' | Anniversary Mashup
    Clip 1:21
    'Trainspotting' | Anniversary Mashup

    Photos153

    Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting (1996)
    Ewen Bremner in Trainspotting (1996)
    Danny Boyle in Trainspotting (1996)
    Kelly Macdonald in Trainspotting (1996)
    Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller in Trainspotting (1996)
    Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting (1996)
    Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner, and Kevin McKidd in Trainspotting (1996)
    Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner, and Kelly Macdonald in Trainspotting (1996)
    Ewan McGregor and Kelly Macdonald in Trainspotting (1996)
    Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting (1996)
    Kevin McKidd in Trainspotting (1996)
    Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting (1996)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Ewan McGregor
    Ewan McGregor
    • Rentonas Renton
    Ewen Bremner
    Ewen Bremner
    • Spudas Spud
    Jonny Lee Miller
    Jonny Lee Miller
    • Sick Boyas Sick Boy
    Kevin McKidd
    Kevin McKidd
    • Tommyas Tommy
    Robert Carlyle
    Robert Carlyle
    • Begbieas Begbie
    Kelly Macdonald
    Kelly Macdonald
    • Dianeas Diane
    Peter Mullan
    Peter Mullan
    • Swanneyas Swanney
    James Cosmo
    James Cosmo
    • Mr. Rentonas Mr. Renton
    Eileen Nicholas
    Eileen Nicholas
    • Mrs. Rentonas Mrs. Renton
    Susan Vidler
    Susan Vidler
    • Allisonas Allison
    Pauline Lynch
    • Lizzyas Lizzy
    Shirley Henderson
    Shirley Henderson
    • Gailas Gail
    Stuart McQuarrie
    Stuart McQuarrie
    • Gavinas Gavin…
    Irvine Welsh
    Irvine Welsh
    • Mikey Forresteras Mikey Forrester
    Dale Winton
    Dale Winton
    • Game Show Hostas Game Show Host
    Keith Allen
    Keith Allen
    • Dealeras Dealer
    Kevin Allen
    Kevin Allen
    • Andreasas Andreas
    Annie Louise Ross
    • Gail's Motheras Gail's Mother
    • (as Ann-Louise Ross)
    • Director
      • Danny Boyle
    • Writers
      • Irvine Welsh(based on the novel by)
      • John Hodge(screenplay)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

    More like this

    T2 Trainspotting
    7.2
    T2 Trainspotting
    Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
    8.2
    Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
    The Big Lebowski
    8.1
    The Big Lebowski
    Reservoir Dogs
    8.3
    Reservoir Dogs
    A Clockwork Orange
    8.3
    A Clockwork Orange
    Snatch
    8.3
    Snatch
    American Beauty
    8.4
    American Beauty
    Kill Bill: Vol. 1
    8.2
    Kill Bill: Vol. 1
    Fargo
    8.1
    Fargo
    No Country for Old Men
    8.2
    No Country for Old Men
    Requiem for a Dream
    8.3
    Requiem for a Dream
    The Truman Show
    8.2
    The Truman Show

    Storyline

    Edit
    A wild, freeform, Rabelaisian trip through the darkest recesses of Edinburgh low-life, focusing on Mark Renton and his attempt to give up his heroin habit, and how the latter affects his relationship with family and friends: Sean Connery wannabe Sick Boy, dimbulb Spud, psycho Begbie, 14-year-old girlfriend Diane, and clean-cut athlete Tommy, who's never touched drugs but can't help being curious about them... —Michael Brooke <michael@everyman.demon.co.uk>
    • filthy toilet
    • scotland
    • drugs
    • drug culture
    • scottish
    • 259 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a starter home. Choose dental insurance, leisure wear and matching luggage. Choose your future. But why would anyone want to do a thing like that?
    • Genre
      • Drama
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated R for graphic heroin use and resulting depravity, strong language, sex, nudity and some violence
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Although it looks thoroughly off putting, the feces in the Worst Toilet in Scotland scene was actually made from chocolate and smelled quite pleasant.
    • Goofs
      After Renton has sex with Diane, he has nothing on his penis, but once he gets kicked out into the hallway, he pulls a condom off.
    • Quotes

      [first lines]

      Mark "Rent-boy" Renton: [narrating] Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked up brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin' else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?

    • Crazy credits
      The voice-over during the end of the end credits cites the seven movies in which Sean Connery played "James Bond".
    • Alternate versions
      The Special Edition did not feature the trailer and video. These were available in the Green Edition. UK 'Green Edition' video release is in widescreen format and includes the nine extra scenes featured in the box set special edition, the original theatrical trailer (which doesn't use any of the film's footage) and the complete promotional video of Underworld's Born Slippy, the hit song spawned from the soundtrack.
    • Connections
      Featured in At the Movies: Courage Under Fire/Walking and Talking/Trainspotting/Harriet the Spy (1996)
    • Soundtracks
      Lust for Life
      Performed by Iggy Pop

      Words and Music by Iggy Pop / David Bowie

      Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd/EMI Virgin Music Ltd/Tintoretto Music

      Administered by RZO Music

      Courtesy of Virgin Records America Inc

    User reviews674

    Review
    Top review
    Superb
    An extremely competent look at the Scottish drug-Scene, Trainspotting is a perfect example of the potential of the UK industry to tell a story of tragedy, horror and hope in a manner that the American industry has yet to do without drifting into tired Cliche. While the manner and style of delivery are extremely funny and at times appear almost unreal, the fact remains that these characters are real. The clearly psychotic and alcoholic Begbie, played by Robert Carlyle is a supporting role that is actually of immense value to the film. Here we have character who I've met, you've met and we've all met. A man with very little to lose absorbed in a sea of alcohol and prone to violence. I choose him as example because he isnt even involved in the drug-scene in which the main characters are central. In fact his opposition is somewhat humorous when we consider his own vices make him argueably worse off and the incidences of violence he becomes involved in

    are most definitely black humour. Considering what is actually happening isnt funny, watching it play out, aside from one major incident, is extremely funny. And that is the tone of the film throughout, as characters continually talk nonsence and sail through the lives they have chosen, making very little progress, but instead drifting downwards until an opportunity presents itself to change their ways, where upon Renton, Ewan McGregor, must make a choice between his own life or his friends. McGregor himself is excellent in the film that made him, as is Jonny Lee Miller, who surprised me in this film by having a more thought-provoking character than the script and time strictly allowed considering his relatively minimal place in the main storyline. Ewen Bremner provided some excellent and often well-needed comic relief and Carlyle as I mentioned, was outstanding. This film is both real and unreal, taking the Humour of "Human Traffic" and the somber tone of "My name is Joe" and blending them together to create an unforgettable experience vividly accompanied by strains of "Perfect day" and other cultural and nostalgic sounds, particularly of the place and period. Trainspotting has been accused of glamourising drug-use but I firmly believe anyone who takes this view hasnt watched it properly. The fun is equally, if not more so, matched by some nasty images and for the time it was released, provided what was a very necessary look at the growing drug industry, the loss it creates and the hope that can arise. Superb.
    helpful•121
    37
    • Sean-M
    • Mar 6, 2003

    FAQ16

    • Is 'Trainspotting' based on a book?
    • Why is it called "Trainspotting"?
    • What is Sick Boy's actual name?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 9, 1996 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • На голці
    • Filming locations
      • Corrour Station, Highland, Scotland, UK
    • Production companies
      • Channel Four Films
      • Figment Films
      • The Noel Gay Motion Picture Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • £1,500,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $16,491,080
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $262,673
      • Jul 21, 1996
    • Gross worldwide
      • $16,767,475
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 33 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby SR
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

    Related news

    RSVP for TV directors panel on May 25: ‘Better Things,’ ‘List of a Lifetime,’ ‘Outer Range,’ ‘Pistol,’ ‘Women of the Movement’
    RSVP for TV directors panel on May 25: ‘Better Things,’ ‘List of a Lifetime,’ ‘Outer Range,’ ‘Pistol,’ ‘Women of the Movement’
    May 19Gold Derby
    Sundance Film Festival: London 2022 announces programme additions, talks and UK Tour.
    Sundance Film Festival: London 2022 announces programme additions, talks and UK Tour.
    May 16HeyUGuys.co.uk

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner, and Kelly Macdonald in Trainspotting (1996)
    Top Gap
    What is the Hindi language plot outline for Trainspotting (1996)?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    View list
    List
    The Best Movies and Shows to Watch in May
    See the full list
    Image caption not available
    2:14
    The Most Anticipated Movies and Shows to Watch in May
    Watch the video

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    • Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • IMDb Developer
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Interest-Based Ads

    © 1990-2022 by IMDb.com, Inc.