Is LBJ Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, LBJ is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
LBJ Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, LBJ emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The story of U. Unlike standard genre fare, LBJ 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 LBJ features a noteworthy lineup led by Woody Harrelson . Supported by the likes of Michael Stahl-David and Richard Jenkins , 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 LBJ (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
LBJ Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: LBJ is a Drama, History 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.
LBJ Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: LBJ 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 LBJ reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
LBJ Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
LBJ draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: LBJ adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch LBJ?
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
LBJ Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
LBJ Budget
The estimated production budget for LBJ is $20.0M. 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 LBJ
- Woody Harrelson – Lyndon B. Johnson
- Michael Stahl-David – Robert F. Kennedy
- Richard Jenkins – Sen. Richard Russell
- Jennifer Jason Leigh – Lady Bird Johnson
- Jeffrey Donovan – John F. Kennedy
Top Highlights
Woody HarrelsonLyndon B. Johnson
Michael Stahl-DavidRobert F. Kennedy
Richard JenkinsSen. Richard Russell
Jennifer Jason LeighLady Bird Johnson
Jeffrey DonovanJohn F. Kennedy
Bill PullmanRalph Yarborough
Brian StepanekRufus Youngblood
Tim RansomLarry O'Brien
C. Thomas HowellWalter Jenkins
Doug McKeonHubert H. Humphrey
Where to Watch LBJ Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Philo🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
LBJ is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, LBJ stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LBJ movie hit or flop?
LBJ has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is LBJ worth watching?
LBJ is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch LBJ online?
LBJ is currently available for streaming on Philo. You can also check for it on platforms like Philo depending on your region.
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How LBJ Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for LBJ
Following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, his Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson, stepped up to take the main job. This biopic stars Woody Harrelson as Johnson, and tells the story of LBJ as Vice President under Kennedy. Other than the tragic circumstances from which he inherited the role, when compared with his predecessor, JFK, and his eventual successor, Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson had an uneventful presidency. _LBJ_ digs into what made the man tick. Like many political flicks - especially those released around an election (in this case Trump in 2016) - much of its content has to be taken with a pinch of salt but, in truth, it is difficult to see what story _LBJ_ was trying to tell in the first place. Johnson comes across as a confused individual, caught between his loyalties to his Southern heritage and his reluctant thrust into Kennedy's progressive administration, often jerking from a ruthless and power-hungry politician, to a sensitive and loyal husband. The film attempts to concentrate on the Civil Rights movement, but oddly skirts over other defining issues such as Vietnam, giving it the feeling of an evening documentary with dramatic recreations. Overall it is Harrelson - distracting and inaccurate makeup aside - that keeps the film together. His sombre portrayal of Johnson provides just enough charm to keep the film flowing, turning what would have otherwise been a drab documentary into appreciable entertainment. Worth watching for a little more insight between the Kennedy and Nixon years.
Every now and again you get an IMDB moderator that strikes down anything political that he doesn't agree with... ... in this case it's saying that LBJ wasn't a great movie and that he wasn't a great president. This is the president that took out his manhood when the press asked him why we were still in Vietnam. This was the president that tried to force an astronaut's wife with a speech impediment to appear with him on television to further his career. LBJ ignores all of that. LBJ falsely makes the case that Johnson devoted his presidency to expanding Kennedy's policies. In reality he reversed him. His first act as POTUS was to reverse NSAM #263 and sent thousands of kids to die in Vietnam. LBJ glosses over all of that to make him look like a virtuous president concerned only about carrying on Jack's legacy. This is an epic of revisionist history.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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