Einstein's Big Idea
“The story behind the world's most famous equation, E = mc2”
Where to watch Einstein's Big Idea in United States
Einstein's Big Idea isn't available to stream, rent or buy in United States right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 30 May 2026.
About Einstein's Big Idea
Einstein's Big Idea is a 2005 movie in the Documentary and Drama genres, directed by Gary Johnstone, starring Aidan McArdle, Anton Lesser and Andrew Callaway. It has a runtime of 2 hours 0 minutes. It holds an average rating of 7.3/10 from 15 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Einstein's Big Idea in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.
Einstein's Big Idea trailer
Overview
Over 100 years ago, Albert Einstein grappled with the implications of his revolutionary special theory of relativity and came to a startling conclusion: mass and energy are one, related by the formula E = mc2. In "Einstein's Big Idea," NOVA dramatizes the remarkable story behind this equation. E = mc2 was just one of several extraordinary breakthroughs that Einstein made in 1905, including the completion of his special theory of relativity, his identification of proof that atoms exist, and his explanation of the nature of light, which would win him the Nobel Prize in Physics. Among Einstein's ideas, E = mc2 is by far the most famous. Yet how many people know what it really means? In a thought-provoking and engrossing docudrama, NOVA illuminates this deceptively simple formula by unraveling the story of how it came to be.
Top cast
Aidan McArdle
Einstein
Anton Lesser
Voltaire
Andrew Callaway
Maupertuis
Julian Rhind-Tutt
Antoine Lavoisier
Shirley Henderson
Mileva Maric
Ty Glaser
Marie Anne Lavoisier
Andy Crabbe
Habicht
Samuel West
Humphry Davy
Daniel D'Alessandro
Algarotti
Brendan Fleming
Hermann Einstein
Gregory Fox-Murphy
Brande
Philip Herbert
Count de Amerval
Chris Jenkinson
Dr. Haller
Wolf Kahler
Horlein
George Layton
Emilie’s Father
Alex Macqueen
Chater
Richard Mulholland
Emilie’s Tutor
Stephen Noonan
Marat
Christopher Eccleston
Narrator (voice)
John Lithgow
Narrator (voice) U.S. edition
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Einstein's Big Idea in United States?+
Einstein's Big Idea is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in United States. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.
Is Einstein's Big Idea on Netflix?+
Einstein's Big Idea is not on Netflix in United States right now.
How long is Einstein's Big Idea?+
Einstein's Big Idea has a runtime of 2 hours 0 minutes (120 minutes).
Who stars in Einstein's Big Idea?+
Einstein's Big Idea stars Aidan McArdle, Anton Lesser, Andrew Callaway, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Shirley Henderson.
When did Einstein's Big Idea come out?+
Einstein's Big Idea is a 2005 movie directed by Gary Johnstone.
What genre is Einstein's Big Idea?+
Einstein's Big Idea is Documentary and Drama film.
Who directed Einstein's Big Idea?+
Einstein's Big Idea was directed by Gary Johnstone.
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