Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

  • 2009
  • PG-13
  • 115m
movieMx RATING
6.0/102.4K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past Review

Last updated: February 3, 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: February 3, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past features a noteworthy lineup led by Matthew McConaughey . Supported by the likes of Jennifer Garner and Michael Douglas , 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 Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Quick Plot Summary: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is a Romance, Comedy, Fantasy film that explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. 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. Celebrity photographer Connor Mead lives life in the fast lane, committed to lifelong bachelorhood and simultaneous relationships with multiple women. On the eve of his younger brother Paul's wedding, Connor's mockery of love proves a real buzz-kill for everyone - including his childhood crush, Jenny, the one woman who always seemed immune to his considerable charms. Later that night, he gets a wake-up call from the ghost of his late Uncle Wayne, the hard-partying, legendary ladies' man who was Connor's mentor. Uncle Wayne has an urgent message which he delivers through three ghosts who guide Connor on an eye-opening tour of his romantic past, present and future. Along the way, they attempt to discern whether he will ever be able to change his ways -- and if there is any hope of him finding true love. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
  • 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 climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Ending Explained: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Ending Breakdown: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to romance 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 romance themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Ghosts of Girlfriends Past?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want solid genre entertainment

Box Office Collection: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $37.5M
Worldwide Gross $102.4M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past Budget

The estimated production budget for Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is $37.5M. 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.

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Top Cast: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

All Cast & Crew →
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer GarnerJenny Perotti
Michael Douglas
Michael DouglasUncle Wayne
Robert Forster
Robert ForsterSergeant Volkom
Anne Archer
Anne ArcherVonda Volkom
Emma Stone
Emma StoneAllison Vandermeersh
Rachel Boston
Rachel BostonDeena the Bridesmaid
Camille Guaty
Camille GuatyDonna the Bridesmaid
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Where to Watch Ghosts of Girlfriends Past Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
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Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
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Ghosts of Girlfriends Past Parents Guide & Age Rating

2009 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Ghosts of Girlfriends Past age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is 115 minutes (1h 55m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. Rating: 6.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ghosts of Girlfriends Past worth watching?

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Ghosts of Girlfriends Past parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Ghosts of Girlfriends Past identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past?

The total duration of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is 115 minutes, which is approximately 1h 55m long.

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Critic Reviews for Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

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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
★ 6.0
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
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