RATING★ 7.6/10
VERDICT SUPER HIT
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) movie backdrop
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) movie poster

Kramer vs. Kramer Hit or Flop?

Rating
7.6/10
🎯Verdict
SUPER HIT
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
1979105 minDrama
Audience VerdictSUPER HIT
Box Office ClassStandard

Kramer vs. Kramer

Kramer vs. Kramer Movie Hit or Flop?

SUPER HIT

Verdict:Kramer vs. Kramer is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.6/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Drama genre.

Is Kramer vs. Kramer Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Kramer vs. Kramer is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.

7.6/10 2,380 votes
105Minutes
1979Release Year
Visual Story
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Kramer vs. Kramer Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1979, Kramer vs. Kramer emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Ted Kramer is a career man for whom his work comes before his family. Unlike standard genre fare, Kramer vs. Kramer attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Kramer vs. Kramer features a noteworthy lineup led by Dustin Hoffman . Supported by the likes of Meryl Streep and Jane Alexander , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.6/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.

Kramer vs. Kramer Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: Kramer vs. Kramer 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.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Ted Kramer is a career man for whom his work comes before his family. His wife Joanna cannot take this anymore, so she decides to leave him. Ted is now faced with the tasks of housekeeping and taking care of himself and their young son Billy. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.

Thematic Depth

The film delves into universal human experiences—love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
  • Strong performances that bring depth to the characters
  • Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
  • A few underdeveloped subplots

Kramer vs. Kramer Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: Kramer vs. Kramer resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.

The final moments of Kramer vs. Kramer demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Kramer vs. Kramer?

Highly Recommended For:

  • Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
  • Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
  • Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises

Kramer vs. Kramer Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $8.0M
Worldwide Gross $106.3M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Kramer vs. Kramer Budget

The estimated production budget for Kramer vs. Kramer is $8.0M. 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 Kramer vs. Kramer

  • Dustin Hoffman – Ted Kramer
  • Meryl Streep – Joanna Kramer
  • Jane Alexander – Margaret Phelps
  • Justin Henry – Billy Kramer
  • Howard Duff – John Shaunessy

Top Highlights

Dustin Hoffman
Dustin HoffmanTed Kramer
Meryl Streep
Meryl StreepJoanna Kramer
Jane Alexander
Jane AlexanderMargaret Phelps
Justin Henry
Justin HenryBilly Kramer
Howard Duff
Howard DuffJohn Shaunessy
George Coe
George CoeJim O'Connor
JoBeth Williams
JoBeth WilliamsPhyllis Bernard
Bill Moor
Bill MoorGressen
Howland Chamberlain
Howland ChamberlainJudge Atkins
Jack Ramage
Jack RamageSpencer

Where to Watch Kramer vs. Kramer Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TVApple TV
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TVApple TV

Parents Guide & Age Rating

PG
Kramer vs. Kramer is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.6/10, and global collection metrics, Kramer vs. Kramer stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1979 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kramer vs. Kramer movie hit or flop?

Kramer vs. Kramer is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.

Is Kramer vs. Kramer worth watching?

Yes, Kramer vs. Kramer is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.

Where can I watch Kramer vs. Kramer online?

Kramer vs. Kramer 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 Kramer vs. Kramer Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Kramer vs. Kramer

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.6
Kramer vs. Kramer
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