Is Hal Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Hal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Hal Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, Hal emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Hal Ashby's obsessive genius led to an unprecedented string of Oscar®-winning classics, including Harold and Maude, Shampoo and Being There. Unlike standard genre fare, Hal attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hal features a noteworthy lineup led by Hal Ashby . Supported by the likes of Jane Fonda and Jon Voight , 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 Hal (2019) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Hal Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Hal is a Documentary 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.
Hal Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Hal concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents 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 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 documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hal reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Hal?
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
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Hal
- Hal Ashby – Self (archive footage)
- Jane Fonda – Self
- Jon Voight – Self
- Lee Grant – Self
- Dustin Hoffman – Self
Top Highlights
Hal AshbySelf (archive footage)
Jane FondaSelf
Jon VoightSelf
Lee GrantSelf
Dustin HoffmanSelf
Rosanna ArquetteSelf
Jeff BridgesSelf
Allison AndersSelf
John C. ReillySelf
Judd ApatowSelf
Where to Watch Hal Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Philo
OVID
Fandor 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
Hal has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Hal stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hal movie hit or flop?
Hal has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Hal worth watching?
Hal is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Hal online?
Hal is currently available for streaming on Philo. You can also check for it on platforms like Philo, OVID, Fandor Amazon Channel depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Hal
How Hal Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Hal
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
