Is Maverick Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Maverick is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 127 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Maverick Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1994, Maverick emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Western domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Bret Maverick is a gambler who would rather con someone than fight them, and needs an additional $3k in order to enter a winner-takes-all poker game beginning in a few days. Unlike standard genre fare, Maverick attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Maverick features a noteworthy lineup led by Mel Gibson . Supported by the likes of Jodie Foster and James Garner , 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 Maverick (1994) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Maverick Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Maverick is a Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Western film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. Bret Maverick is a gambler who would rather con someone than fight them, and needs an additional $3k in order to enter a winner-takes-all poker game beginning in a few days. He joins forces with a woman with a marvelous Southern accent, and the two try and enter the game. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Maverick Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Maverick concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Maverick reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Maverick?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Maverick Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $75.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $183.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Maverick Budget
The estimated production budget for Maverick is $75.0M. 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 Maverick
- Mel Gibson – Bret Maverick
- Jodie Foster – Annabelle Bransford
- James Garner – Marshal Zane Cooper
- Graham Greene – Joseph
- Alfred Molina – Angel
Top Highlights
Mel GibsonBret Maverick
Jodie FosterAnnabelle Bransford
James GarnerMarshal Zane Cooper
Graham GreeneJoseph
Alfred MolinaAngel
James CoburnCommodore Duvall
Dub TaylorRoom Clerk
Geoffrey LewisMatthew Wicker / Eugene, Banker
Paul L. SmithThe Archduke
Dan HedayaTwitchy, Riverboat Poker Player
Where to Watch Maverick Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Maverick is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, Maverick stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1994 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maverick movie hit or flop?
Maverick has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Maverick worth watching?
Maverick is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Adventure, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Maverick online?
Maverick 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 Maverick Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Maverick
From the moment I slapped eyes on this hombre, I smelled trouble. And re-fried beans. Maverick is directed by Richard Donner and written by William Goldman. It stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner, with support coming from Alfred Molina, Graham Greene and James Coburn. The music is scored by Randy Newman and Vilmos Zsigmond is on photography. It's based on the 1950s television series of the same name and the plot finds Gibson as Maverick and follows his attempt to take his place in a major five-card draw poker tournament. With Foster and Garner in tow, there's plenty of adventures and misadventures along the way. After Costner's Dances With Wolves and Eastwood's Unforgiven had reignited interest in the Western genre in the 90s, Richard Donner and his team felt the time was right to unleash a light hearted Western on the mainstream audience. Timing was important, as was the casting, but Maverick is the sort of family friendly fun that could in truth be released at any time in any decade and still be a hit at the box office. It's not particularly clever in narrative or themes, but with its blending of action, romance and comedy seamlessly coming together as a whole, Maverick is practically hard to dislike. Even the cast seem to be having a real good time, with Gibson smooth and roguish, Foster dainty yet spunky and Garner (the original Maverick from the TV show) offering up a sort of stoic maturity over proceedings; with all three playing the comedy with ease (how great it is to see Foster in such a role). Donner and Goldman have also shown respect to both the TV show and the Western in general (check out those lovely landscapes), while it's always fun to play spot the numerous stars in the cameos. Harmless fluff, then, but always watchable and never once over reaching itself by trying to be something it's not. 7.5/10
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
