Cruel Intentions
Performance & Direction: Cruel Intentions Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cruel Intentions (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cruel Intentions features a noteworthy lineup led by Sarah Michelle Gellar . Supported by the likes of Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon , 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 Cruel Intentions (1999) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Cruel Intentions
Quick Plot Summary: Cruel Intentions is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Slaking a thirst for dangerous games, Kathryn challenges her stepbrother, Sebastian, to deflower their headmaster's daughter before the summer ends. If he succeeds, the prize is the chance to bed Kathryn. But if he loses, Kathryn will claim his most prized possession. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- 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 emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Cruel Intentions
Ending Breakdown: Cruel Intentions concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Cruel Intentions reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Cruel Intentions?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Cruel Intentions
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $76.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Cruel Intentions Budget
The estimated production budget for Cruel Intentions is $10.5M. 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.
Top Cast: Cruel Intentions
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Where to Watch Cruel Intentions Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeCruel Intentions Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about Cruel Intentions age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cruel Intentions is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Cruel Intentions is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cruel Intentions worth watching?
Cruel Intentions is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cruel Intentions parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cruel Intentions identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Cruel Intentions?
The total duration of Cruel Intentions is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
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Critic Reviews for Cruel Intentions
Great movie. It's a pretty raunchy movie. It has a great storyline. Very sad as well.
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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