Åke and his world is a long, lyrical study of a Swedish country doctor of the 1930s. Åke is the doctor's six-year-old son, from whose point of view the film is told. His best friend is Kalle Nubb. Åke is very frightened of the janitor Bergström as well as the lunatic Anne-Marie.

Jim Olsson, eight years old, lives in a small, boring town. His father has passed away recently, but comes back in Jim's fantasies to tell stories. In his daydreams, Jim has all kinds of adventures.

Alexander, a journalist, philosopher and retired actor, celebrates a birthday with friends and family when it is announced that nuclear war has begun.

John and Carl have a small publishing company. One day John meets the poet Clara who recently made her debut, and Clara's fiancé Stig. John and Clara fall in love with each other, and she moves into an apartment owned by John. John breaks up with his wife and moves in with Clara. But Clara has a nervous breakdown.