Is Ishtar Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ishtar is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 107 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ishtar Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Ishtar emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Adventure domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Two terrible lounge singers get booked to play a gig in a Moroccan hotel but somehow become pawns in an international power play between the CIA, the Emir of Ishtar, and the rebels trying to overthrow his regime. Unlike standard genre fare, Ishtar 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 Ishtar features a noteworthy lineup led by Warren Beatty . Supported by the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Isabelle Adjani , 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 Ishtar (1987) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Ishtar Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ishtar is a Comedy, Adventure 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.
Ishtar Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ishtar attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Ishtar reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ishtar?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Ishtar Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $51.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ishtar Budget
The estimated production budget for Ishtar is $51.0M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Ishtar
- Warren Beatty – Lyle Rogers
- Dustin Hoffman – Chuck Clarke
- Isabelle Adjani – Shirra Assel
- Charles Grodin – Jim Harrison
- Jack Weston – Marty Freed
Top Highlights
Warren BeattyLyle Rogers
Dustin HoffmanChuck Clarke
Isabelle AdjaniShirra Assel
Charles GrodinJim Harrison
Jack WestonMarty Freed
Tess HarperWilla
Carol KaneCarol
Aharon IpaléEmir Yousef
Fijad HagebAbdul
David MarguliesMr. Clarke
Where to Watch Ishtar Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Ishtar is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.5/10, and global collection metrics, Ishtar stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ishtar movie hit or flop?
Ishtar is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Ishtar worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.5/10, Ishtar may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Ishtar online?
Ishtar 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.
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How Ishtar Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ishtar
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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