How to watch Train Dreams – is it streaming?

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The Academy Awards are still over a month away, on March 15th, giving you plenty of time to watch all the nominated movies before the ceremony.

Among the best picture nominees, Train Dreams is a quietly powerful film that deserves more attention. Starring Joel Edgerton, it received rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival last year and remained a critical favorite throughout the year, even ranking sixth in our readers’ choice for film of the year.

Intrigued? Keep reading to find out how to watch Train Dreams, and to learn about the movie’s cast, story, and trailer.

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How to watch Train Dreams – is it streaming?

Yes – the film couldn’t be easier to watch, given that it is streaming on Netflix.

Netflix quickly picked up the film after its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in January. It had a limited release in theaters in early November before becoming available to stream on Netflix on November 21, 2025.

Like many films nominated for an Oscar, some theaters are adding extra showtimes before the Academy Awards. If you’d still like to see it in a movie theater, check what’s playing at your local cinema.

But if not, there’s always Netflix!

What is Train Dreams about?

This film, adapted from Denis Johnson’s novella, follows Robert Grainier, an American logger, as he navigates significant personal and societal shifts during the first half of the 1900s.

Robert was orphaned as a child and raised in the vast forests of the Pacific Northwest. He becomes a key part of building the nation’s railroad, working alongside memorable characters in a stunning natural setting.

Following a loving romance, Robert marries Gladys and they create a home together, despite his job frequently keeping him away from his wife and daughter. A surprising life change leads Robert to see the forests and trees he cuts down in a completely new light, revealing both their beauty and the harsh realities of nature, ultimately giving his work a deeper purpose.

It’s a celebration of lifestyles fading away, a changing world, and the amazing potential found in even the simplest lives.

Train Dreams cast: Who stars in the film?

Joel Edgerton leads the film, both starring as the central character, Robert Grainier, and appearing in almost every scene.

The film also features several well-known actors, including Oscar nominees Felicity Jones as his wife, Gladys, Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy. Will Patton provides the narration.

You can find the full cast list below:

  • Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainier
  • Felicity Jones as Gladys Olding Grainier
  • Kerry Condon as Claire Thompson
  • William H Macy as Arn Peeples
  • Will Patton as the narrator
  • Nathaniel Arcand as Ignatius Jack
  • John Diehl as Billy
  • Paul Schneider as Apostle Frank
  • Clifton Collins Jr. as Boomer
  • Alfred Hsing as Fu Sheng
  • Chuck Tucker as Silent Man
  • Rob Price as Curious Logger
  • Beau Charles as Young Logger
  • Johnny Arnoux as Kootenai Indian
  • John Patrick Lowrie as Mr Sears
  • Branden Lindsay as Elijah Brown

Train Dreams trailer

Wondering if you should watch this film before the Oscars? The trailer offers a great feel for the movie’s calm, thoughtful mood and stunning visuals.

Train Dreams is streaming now on Netflix.

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about film for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time has interviewed many famous actors and reviewed all kinds of movies.

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2026-02-10 13:05