Is Accepted Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Accepted is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Accepted Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2006, Accepted emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A high school slacker who's rejected by every school he applies to opts to create his own institution of higher learning, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, on a rundown piece of property near his hometown. Unlike standard genre fare, Accepted attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Accepted features a noteworthy lineup led by Justin Long . Supported by the likes of Jonah Hill and Blake Lively , 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 Accepted (2006) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Accepted Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Accepted is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. 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. A high school slacker who's rejected by every school he applies to opts to create his own institution of higher learning, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, on a rundown piece of property near his hometown. 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: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Accepted Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Accepted concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 Accepted reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Accepted?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Accepted Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $23.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $38.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Accepted Budget
The estimated production budget for Accepted is $23.0M. 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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Full Cast & Crew of Accepted
- Justin Long – Bartleby Gaines
- Jonah Hill – Sherman Schrader
- Blake Lively – Monica Moreland
- Adam Herschman – Glen
- Columbus Short – Hands
Top Highlights
Justin LongBartleby Gaines
Jonah HillSherman Schrader
Blake LivelyMonica Moreland
Adam HerschmanGlen
Columbus ShortHands
Maria ThayerRory
Lewis BlackUncle Ben
Jim O'HeirMr. Schrader
Mark DerwinJack Gaines
Ann CusackDiane Gaines
Where to Watch Accepted Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Accepted is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Accepted stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Accepted movie hit or flop?
Accepted has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Accepted worth watching?
Accepted is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Accepted online?
Accepted is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix depending on your region.
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How Accepted Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Accepted
I connected more with the concept a lot. Though the movie is a dramatization (as films are) and therefore it is cliché-laden, colorful and hyperbolic. But it explores an idea. We are raised to follow certain paths, categorized and rejected if we are different and take different paths. What if a place of higher education existed where that wasn't the case? This film explores that idea. A place of informal education and personal growth.
A legendary movie for a hangover-day, but one that I will never begrudge others for disliking. This is really not my usual sort of movie, but for whatever reason, _Accepted_ somehow totally works for me? _Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
Fantastic watch, will definitely watch again, and can recommend. I've watch this movie so many times, and it's probably one of my favorite movies. With the ridiculous premise that you have to go to college, what happens to the qualified people that don't get in: they make their own way, literally. Just the concept of doing something like this is fascinating, and with the cast, the delivery is amazing: Justin Long, Blake Lively, Maria Thayer, (fat) Jonah Hill, Lewis Black, and even a young Hannah Marx. The jokes are paced so well, and there is some noticeable punch up, but it's usually so good I don't mind. Part of the reason I like this writing is that a lot of it is character based: just making weird and fun characters and making them live in this fun world. So many of the scenes have background action happening, which is risky, but the pay off is magnificent. On top of that, there are sub-arcs, and a great grand arc all about inclusivity and innovation. Watch this, I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed.
Forgettable, but mostly harmless.
**Accepted is an insane ridiculous and charming comedy and pure dumb escapism.** Accepted thrives in its absolute ludicrous premise - college hopefuls create a fake college because they don't want their parents to know they didn't get accepted anywhere else. Everything about this movie is ridiculous, wacky, and insane, and it's so much fun! The cast boasts two young up-and-coming stars, Jonah Hill and Blake Lively, before their careers exploded into mega-stardom. Justin Long's Bartleby Gaines grows as the leader of this ragtag group of rejects, eventually gaining the attention of the popular girl that hardly noticed him before. At its core, Accepted is about outcasts finding their tribe and embracing their entertaining quirks. The crazy characters always constantly entertain, and the laughs never stop. No one should ever reject Accepted.
Cool concept for a movie. It would be sweet if we could pull this off for real. Epic times.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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