Performance & Direction: Oliver! Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Oliver! (1968) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Oliver! features a noteworthy lineup led by Ron Moody . Supported by the likes of Shani Wallis and Oliver Reed , 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 Oliver! (1968) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Oliver!
Quick Plot Summary: Oliver! is a Drama, Family film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Oliver!
Ending Breakdown: Oliver! 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, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
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 established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Oliver! reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Oliver!?
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
Box Office Collection: Oliver!
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $37.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Oliver! Budget
The estimated production budget for Oliver! is $10.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Oliver!
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Oliver! Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVOliver! Parents Guide & Age Rating
1968 AdvisoryWondering about Oliver! age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Oliver! is 153 minutes (2h 33m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Oliver! stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1968 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oliver! worth watching?
Oliver! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Oliver! parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Oliver! identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Oliver!?
The total duration of Oliver! is 153 minutes, which is approximately 2h 33m long.
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How Oliver! Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Oliver!
I consider Oliver! the movie to be my mate. Charles Dickens famous novel of an orphan boy, Oliver Twist, who escapes from his poor life to seek his fame and fortune in London, is adapted as a glossy musical. Who would have thought that a story from the brilliant Dickens could be so sweet and endearing? So it be with Carol Reed's (Best Director Winner) unforgettable 1968 Best Picture Winner. Yes it's some way away from the essence of the source, those in need of that should be seeking out David Lean's fabulous 1948 version, but with an array of wonderful tunes and choreography, this Oliver is a treat for all the family. The cast are uniformly strong, notably Ron Moody (Fagin), Oliver Reed (who as Bill Sykes is probably playing himself!), Mark Lester (Oliver) and the fabulous Jack Wild (The Artful Dodger). While Lionel Bart's songs are as timeless as they are engaging. The 60s was a tough decade for cinematic musicals, with many of them turning out to be bloated exercises in tedium. But Oliver! is one of the shining lights in the genre, a true uplifter guaranteed to have the feet a tapping and the smile firmly implanted on ones face. So if you have yet to see and be charmed by it? Come on in, join our number and consider yourself one of us. 8/10
Sir Carol Reed has delivered a belter of a film that I'm certain would have Charles Dickens dancing with delight. Mark Lester is ideally cast as the weedy title character; brought up in the harshness of a Victorian workhouse. After daring to ask for "more" at supper time, he is sold to the local undertaker; runs away to London and the rest is the stuff of well known literature. Ron Moody is outstanding as "Fagin", with Shani Wallis "Nancy"; Oliver Reed as the dastardly "Bill Sikes" and Jack Wild as the "Artful Dodger" all making the best of Lionel Bart's cracking musical adaptation of this tale of 19th century London squalor and violence. I did a version of this on stage in Glasgow when I was but a child, and when I see it again now I remember almost all of the words (that, and the looks I got going home on the bus with my stage make up still on!).
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
