Is Ironweed Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Ironweed is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 143 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ironweed Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Ironweed emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An alcoholic drifter spends Halloween in his hometown of Albany, New York after returning there for the first time in decades. Unlike standard genre fare, Ironweed attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ironweed features a noteworthy lineup led by Jack Nicholson . Supported by the likes of Meryl Streep and Carroll Baker , 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 Ironweed (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ironweed Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ironweed is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ironweed Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ironweed concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ironweed reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ironweed?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Ironweed Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $27.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $7.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ironweed Budget
The estimated production budget for Ironweed is $27.0M. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Ironweed
- Jack Nicholson – Francis Phelan
- Meryl Streep – Helen Archer
- Carroll Baker – Annie Phelan
- Michael O'Keefe – Billy
- Diane Venora – Peg
Top Highlights
Jack NicholsonFrancis Phelan
Meryl StreepHelen Archer
Carroll BakerAnnie Phelan
Michael O'KeefeBilly
Diane VenoraPeg
Fred GwynneOscar Reo
Margaret WhittonKatrina
Tom WaitsRudy
Jake DengelPee Wee
Nathan LaneHarold Allen
Where to Watch Ironweed Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Ironweed is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Ironweed stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ironweed movie hit or flop?
Ironweed has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Ironweed worth watching?
Ironweed is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Ironweed online?
Ironweed 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 Ironweed
How Ironweed Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ironweed
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.
