Is Grumpy Old Men Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Grumpy Old Men is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Grumpy Old Men Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1993, Grumpy Old Men emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of For decades, next-door neighbors and former friends John and Max have feuded, trading insults and wicked pranks. Unlike standard genre fare, Grumpy Old Men 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 Grumpy Old Men features a noteworthy lineup led by Jack Lemmon . Supported by the likes of Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret , 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 Grumpy Old Men (1993) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Grumpy Old Men Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Grumpy Old Men is a Comedy, Romance 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. For decades, next-door neighbors and former friends John and Max have feuded, trading insults and wicked pranks. When an attractive widow moves in nearby, their bad blood erupts into a high-stakes rivalry full of naughty jokes and adolescent hijinks. 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.
Grumpy Old Men Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Grumpy Old Men 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 Grumpy Old Men reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Grumpy Old Men?
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
Grumpy Old Men Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.1M |
| Worldwide Gross | $70.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Grumpy Old Men Budget
The estimated production budget for Grumpy Old Men is $35.1M. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Grumpy Old Men
- Jack Lemmon – John Gustafson
- Walter Matthau – Max Goldman
- Ann-Margret – Ariel Truax
- Burgess Meredith – Grandpa Gustafson
- Daryl Hannah – Melanie
Top Highlights
Jack LemmonJohn Gustafson
Walter MatthauMax Goldman
Ann-MargretAriel Truax
Burgess MeredithGrandpa Gustafson
Daryl HannahMelanie
Kevin PollakJacob Goldman
Ossie DavisChuck
Buck HenrySnyder
Christopher McDonaldMike
John Carroll LynchMoving Man
Where to Watch Grumpy Old Men Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Grumpy Old Men is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, Grumpy Old Men stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1993 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grumpy Old Men movie hit or flop?
Grumpy Old Men has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Grumpy Old Men worth watching?
Grumpy Old Men is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Grumpy Old Men online?
Grumpy Old Men may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Grumpy Old Men
How Grumpy Old Men Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Grumpy Old Men
Do me a favour. Put your lip over your head... and swallow. Grumpy Old Men is directed by Donald Petrie and written by Mark Steven Johnson. It stars Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Ann-Margret, Kevin Pollack, Burgess Meredith, Ossie Davis, Daryl Hannah and Buck Henry. Music is by Alan Silvestri and cinematography by Johnny E. Jensen. A lifelong feud between two neighbours has been continuing since for ever. Now in the twilight of their lives, things get worse when a new female neighbour moves across the street. A perennially fun viewing experience, one that boasts a wonderfully mature cast having a good time in the process. It would be easy to decry the formula, the trajectory of where it will go, and maybe stand tall and proclaim the writing isn't up to the standard of a Wilder or Simon movie, but that's kind of missing the point. It's a new era of film and the makers of Grumpy Old Men have tailored it to suit impressively the twin talents of Matthau and Lemmon. Both of whom are wonderful, their chemistry set in cement, their timing and reactions to scripting an utter joy. It's not without problems, anyone can see that, especially when the film veers onto the drama path, but the comedy over rides it all to leave a adult friendly holiday movie full of warmth and chuckles. 7/10
Really funny movie. Wasn't expecting this to be a good movie I was wrong. Great story good acting and funny.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Jack Lemmon
Nos Bastidores de Hollywood
James Cagney: Top of the World
Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special
Part of the Grumpy Old Men Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise