Going the Distance

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Going the Distance

R

2010

1h 45m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

54%

Tomatometer

164 Reviews

52%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) are very much in love. When Erin moves to San Francisco to finish her journalism degree and Garrett stays behind in New York to work in the music industry, they gamely keep the romance alive with webcams and frequent-flyer miles. But just when it seems the lovers will soon be reunited, they each score a big break that could separate them for good.

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Critics Consensus

It's timelier and a little more honest than most romantic comedies, but Drew Barrymore and Justin Long's screen chemistry doesn't make up for Going the Distance's overall flatness.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 9, 2017

D

Unfortunately, Going the Distance doesn't take audiences far enough.

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Sukhdev Sandhu

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Sep 10, 2010

3/5

An economy-class Up in the Air.

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Anthony Quinn

Independent (UK)

Sep 10, 2010

2/5

And here we are right back in romcomsville.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Sep 9, 2020

3.5/4.0

This easygoing, good-hearted, and spirited romantic comedy is a great end to Summer 2010.

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Sarah Knight Adamson

Sarah's Backstage Pass

Jan 14, 2020

3/4

Very funny script, charming leads and memorable supporting characters.

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Amie Simon

Three Imaginary Girls

Mar 8, 2019

Let's be honest: any flaws the film has are over shadowed by the sheer adorableness of the two leads.

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Doreen R

@RT67908956 Mar 14, 2026

This movie was such an honest picture of the trials and tribulations of a long distance relationship, with some laugh out loud funny moments thrown in. I see it as a hidden gem. Charlie Day, Jim Gaffigan, Christina Applegate, Justin Long and Drew Barrymore all showed how watchable they truly are. The relationship between Justin Long and Drew Barrymore captured the magical first moments in a relationship, the witty banter and that knowledge of when you found your person.

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Danny M.

@DannyMayhem Feb 13, 2026

I thought it was extremely funny for a romcom

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Guillaume G

@GuillaumeCopp Feb 11, 2026

If you're in a long distance relationship, time to get real bro this movie is so relatable and good, funny, and the dynamics are great. Ending is great too. you need to watch for real, all the negative reviews just don't know what they are saying...

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Keith B B

@Okbullard Jan 30, 2026

Considering the tepid reviews I wasn't expecting much but I was very surprised. This was interesting, funny and there was some drama to. Jason Sudeikis had the best lines, you're like a Swiss army knife!! Lol Give it a look for something a little different.

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Nigel S

@Funkleberry Dec 26, 2025

Interesting enough not to tune out but very few laughs and too much lowest common denominator "toilet humour" to rise above the mediocre.

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Cindy C

@CindyC377 Dec 12, 2025

I like this movie and always have. Drew Barrymore is the girl next door and a childhood stamp classic from E.T. She is totally relatable in this as the girl next door, or the average woman who's strong and trying to build her life. Anyone who has ever been truly in love and had to make things work can relate to this. Christine Applegate literally reminds me of my older sister...even her sense of humor. My husband and I can relate to this story so much...because you want to marry your best friend! Anytime saying mean reviews doesn't get it...and must have nothing better to do with their day besides troll. This movie 🎬 shows everyday love. If you don't get it, you probably never will. But, if you don't have anything nice to say...don't say it.

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Nanette Burstein

Director

Drew Barrymore

Erin

Justin Long

Garrett

Charlie Day

Dan

Jason Sudeikis

Box

Christina Applegate

Corinne

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Synopsis

Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) are very much in love. When Erin moves to San Francisco to finish her journalism degree and Garrett stays behind in New York to work in the music industry, they gamely keep the romance alive with webcams and frequent-flyer miles. But just when it seems the lovers will soon be reunited, they each score a big break that could separate them for good.

Director: Nanette Burstein
Producer: Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Garrett Grant
Screenwriter: Geoff LaTulippe
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Offspring Entertainment
Rating: R (Dialogue|Brief Nudity|Language Throughout|Sexual Content|Some Drug Use)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 3, 2010, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 1, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.8M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

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