A Hologram for the King

  • 2016
  • R
  • 97m
movieMx RATING
5.9/101.2K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: A Hologram for the King Review

Last updated: January 31, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 31, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is A Hologram for the King (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Hologram for the King features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Hanks . Supported by the likes of Sarita Choudhury and Sidse Babett Knudsen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of A Hologram for the King (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, A Hologram for the King stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: A Hologram for the King

Quick Plot Summary: A Hologram for the King is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Alan Clay, a struggling American businessman, travels to Saudi Arabia to sell a new technology to the King, only to be challenged by endless Middle Eastern bureaucracy, a perpetually absent monarch, and a suspicious growth on his back. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
  • Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
  • Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.

Ending Explained: A Hologram for the King

Ending Breakdown: A Hologram for the King attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of A Hologram for the King reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch A Hologram for the King?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Comedy films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: A Hologram for the King

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $30.0M
Worldwide Gross $9.2M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

A Hologram for the King Budget

The estimated production budget for A Hologram for the King is $30.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: A Hologram for the King

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Where to Watch A Hologram for the King Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

A Hologram for the King Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about A Hologram for the King age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

A Hologram for the King is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of A Hologram for the King is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, A Hologram for the King is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for A Hologram for the King. Rating: 5.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Hologram for the King worth watching?

A Hologram for the King is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find A Hologram for the King parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for A Hologram for the King identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of A Hologram for the King?

The total duration of A Hologram for the King is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.

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Critic Reviews for A Hologram for the King

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.9
A Hologram for the King
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