Dennis the Menace
Performance & Direction: Dennis the Menace Review
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dennis the Menace (1993) 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 Family.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dennis the Menace features a noteworthy lineup led by Walter Matthau . Supported by the likes of Mason Gamble and Joan Plowright , 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 Dennis the Menace (1993) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: Dennis the Menace
Quick Plot Summary: Dennis the Menace is a Family, Comedy 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.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Mr. Wilson's ever-present annoyance comes in the form of one mischievous kid named Dennis. But he'll need Dennis's tricks to uncover a collection of gold coins that go missing when a shady drifter named Switchblade Sam comes to town. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Dennis the Menace
Ending Breakdown: Dennis the Menace attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to family 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 family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Dennis the Menace reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Dennis the Menace?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Family films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Dennis the Menace
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $117.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Dennis the Menace Budget
The estimated production budget for Dennis the Menace is $35.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Dennis the Menace
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Where to Watch Dennis the Menace Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeDennis the Menace Parents Guide & Age Rating
1993 AdvisoryWondering about Dennis the Menace age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dennis the Menace is 94 minutes (1h 34m). 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, Dennis the Menace is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1993 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dennis the Menace worth watching?
Dennis the Menace is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family 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 Dennis the Menace parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dennis the Menace identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Dennis the Menace?
The total duration of Dennis the Menace is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.
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Critic Reviews for Dennis the Menace
Bad watch, unlikely to watch again, and can't recommend unless you're just dying to see a poor version of "Home Alone" in reverse. I've probably seen this before, but I can't remember it, and I used to read "Dennis the Menace" in the funny papers, can't say I was even that big a fan then. And maybe I'm too much of a grumpy old man myself at this point, but this little brat is borderline evil in his stupid behavior. The old man is a jerk too, but it is largely reactionary. I can't even remember the inevitable heart-warming resolution of the child lying to the old man at the end of the movie right before he does it again. It's like watching a serial killer documentary: this is a sociopathic character, and I'm glad we don't have modern day versions of this, at least not that I can see.
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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