Is Madeline Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Madeline is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Madeline Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Madeline emerges as a significant entry in the Family, Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Horrified at the prospect of her beloved school being sold, a young French girl named Madeline uses her wit and craftiness to attempt to save it, making an unlikely new friend in the process. Unlike standard genre fare, Madeline attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Madeline features a noteworthy lineup led by Hatty Jones . Supported by the likes of Frances McDormand and Nigel Hawthorne , 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 Madeline (1998) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Madeline Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Madeline is a Family, Comedy, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Madeline Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Madeline concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to family 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 family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Madeline reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Madeline?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Madeline Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $30.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Madeline Budget
The estimated production budget for Madeline 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 Madeline
- Hatty Jones – Madeline
- Frances McDormand – Miss Clavel
- Nigel Hawthorne – Lord Covington
- Ben Daniels – Leopold the Tutor
- Arturo Venegas – Mr. Spanish Ambassador
Top Highlights
Hatty JonesMadeline
Frances McDormandMiss Clavel
Nigel HawthorneLord Covington
Ben DanielsLeopold the Tutor
Arturo VenegasMr. Spanish Ambassador
Stéphane AudranLady Marie Covington
Katia CaballeroMrs. Spanish Ambassador
Chantal NeuwirthHelene the Cook
Kristian de la OsaPepito
Clare ThomasAgatha "Aggie" Emily Walden
Where to Watch Madeline Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Madeline is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Madeline stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madeline movie hit or flop?
Madeline has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Madeline worth watching?
Madeline is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Madeline online?
Madeline 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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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.