Is Meatballs Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Meatballs is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Meatballs Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1979, Meatballs emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Tripper is the head counselor at a budget summer camp called Camp Northstar. Unlike standard genre fare, Meatballs 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 Meatballs features a noteworthy lineup led by Bill Murray . Supported by the likes of Harvey Atkin and Russ Banham , 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 Meatballs (1979) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Meatballs Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Meatballs is a Comedy 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.
Meatballs Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Meatballs 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 Meatballs reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Meatballs?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Meatballs Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Meatballs Budget
The estimated production budget for Meatballs is $1.2M. 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 Meatballs
- Bill Murray – Tripper Harrison
- Harvey Atkin – Morty
- Russ Banham – Crockett
- Kristine DeBell – A.L.
- Matt Craven – Hardware
Top Highlights
Bill MurrayTripper Harrison
Harvey AtkinMorty
Russ BanhamCrockett
Kristine DeBellA.L.
Matt CravenHardware
Kate LynchRoxanne
Sarah TorgovCandace
Keith KnightFink
Chris MakepeaceRudy
Jack BlumSpaz
Where to Watch Meatballs Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Meatballs is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Meatballs stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1979 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meatballs movie hit or flop?
Meatballs has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Meatballs worth watching?
Meatballs is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Meatballs online?
Meatballs is currently available for streaming on MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Meatballs
Amusing and harmless misadventures at summer camp with Bill Murray Bill Murray (who was 28 during shooting) stars as an eccentrically droll camp counselor at Camp North Star who “trains” CITs, counselors-in-training, as they oversee the hordes of kids and face challenges with teams from preppy Camp Mohawk. “Meatballs” (1979) is a fun and innocuous summer camp flick. It’s not great but it’s entertaining enough, although if I’m going to view a summer camp film I prefer the Friday the 13th movies (practically any of them), mainly because they feature superior women. Here, Cindy Girling as curvy blonde Wendy is by far the most alluring, although Sarah Torgov as Candace is decent. In light of the license plates, the camp is presumably located in upstate New York, but was shot in Camp White Pine, Haliburton, Ontario, which is only about 125 miles from the New York border. The movie runs 1 hour, 34 minutes. GRADE: B/B-
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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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Part of the Meatballs Collection
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