Harriet the Spy
Performance & Direction: Harriet the Spy Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Harriet the Spy (1996) 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 Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Harriet the Spy features a noteworthy lineup led by Michelle Trachtenberg . Supported by the likes of Rosie O'Donnell and J. Smith-Cameron , 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 Harriet the Spy (1996) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Harriet the Spy
Quick Plot Summary: Harriet the Spy is a Comedy, Drama, Family film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Harriet the Spy
Ending Breakdown: Harriet the Spy concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Harriet the Spy reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Harriet the Spy?
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
Box Office Collection: Harriet the Spy
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $26.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Harriet the Spy Budget
The estimated production budget for Harriet the Spy is $12.0M. 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: Harriet the Spy
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Harriet the Spy Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoHarriet the Spy Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about Harriet the Spy age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Harriet the Spy is 101 minutes (1h 41m). 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, Harriet the Spy is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harriet the Spy worth watching?
Harriet the Spy is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Harriet the Spy parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Harriet the Spy identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Harriet the Spy?
The total duration of Harriet the Spy is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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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.
