Is Best of Enemies Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Best of Enemies is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Best of Enemies Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2015, Best of Enemies emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A documentary about the legendary series of nationally televised debates in 1968 between two great public intellectuals, the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Unlike standard genre fare, Best of Enemies attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Best of Enemies features a noteworthy lineup led by Gore Vidal . Supported by the likes of William F. Buckley Jr. and Kelsey Grammer , 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 Best of Enemies (2015) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Best of Enemies Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Best of Enemies is a Documentary, History film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Best of Enemies Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Best of Enemies resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Best of Enemies reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Best of Enemies Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Best of Enemies draws heavily from documented historical records. As a documentary, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Best of Enemies adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Best of Enemies?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentary films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Best of Enemies Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Best of Enemies Budget
The estimated production budget for Best of Enemies is $1.0M. 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 Best of Enemies
- Gore Vidal – Self
- William F. Buckley Jr. – Self
- Kelsey Grammer – Voice of William F. Buckley
- John Lithgow – Voice of Gore Vidal
- Dick Cavett – Self
Top Highlights
Gore VidalSelf
William F. Buckley Jr.Self
Kelsey GrammerVoice of William F. Buckley
John LithgowVoice of Gore Vidal
Dick CavettSelf
Christopher HitchensSelf
Noam ChomskySelf (archival)
Reid BuckleySelf
Andrew SullivanSelf
Todd GitlinSelf
Where to Watch Best of Enemies Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Philo
Dox Amazon Channel
Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Best of Enemies has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Best of Enemies stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2015 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Best of Enemies movie hit or flop?
Best of Enemies is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary, History movies.
Is Best of Enemies worth watching?
Yes, Best of Enemies is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary, History cinema.
Where can I watch Best of Enemies online?
Best of Enemies is currently available for streaming on Philo. You can also check for it on platforms like Philo, Dox Amazon Channel, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Best of Enemies
Interesting watch. Vidal's name was recognizable to me but I had never really known how successful he was as a author (and playwright!). It is interesting to see how profit-seeking capitalism in media (in this case TV, but now also on social media platforms) really incentivizes content that is belligerent and argumentative. I have a hard time believing that anyone would say that this is the ideal stuff to be consuming, and yet nothing is done to change the status quo. The last part of the film was perhaps the most enjoyable for me, where we watch as Buckley wrestles with a statement he made in the debates for seemingly the rest of his life.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
