Is Overboard Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Overboard is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 112 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Overboard Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Overboard emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Heiress Joanna Stayton hires carpenter Dean Proffitt to build a closet on her yacht—and refuses to pay him for the project when it's done. Unlike standard genre fare, Overboard 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 Overboard features a noteworthy lineup led by Goldie Hawn . Supported by the likes of Kurt Russell and Edward Herrmann , 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 Overboard (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Overboard Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Overboard is a Comedy, Romance 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.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Heiress Joanna Stayton hires carpenter Dean Proffitt to build a closet on her yacht—and refuses to pay him for the project when it's done. But after Joanna accidentally falls overboard and loses her memory, Dean sees an opportunity to get even. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- 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 comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Overboard Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Overboard concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Overboard reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Overboard?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Overboard Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $22.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $26.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Overboard Budget
The estimated production budget for Overboard is $22.0M. 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 Overboard
- Goldie Hawn – Joanna Stayton / Annie Proffitt
- Kurt Russell – Dean Proffitt
- Edward Herrmann – Grant Stayton III
- Mike Hagerty – Billy Pratt
- Katherine Helmond – Edith Mintz
Top Highlights
Goldie HawnJoanna Stayton / Annie Proffitt
Kurt RussellDean Proffitt
Edward HerrmannGrant Stayton III
Mike HagertyBilly Pratt
Katherine HelmondEdith Mintz
Roddy McDowallAndrew
Jared RushtonCharlie Proffitt
Jeffrey WisemanJoey Proffitt
Brian PriceTravis Proffitt
Jamie WildGreg Proffitt
Where to Watch Overboard Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Overboard is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Overboard stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Overboard movie hit or flop?
Overboard has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Overboard worth watching?
Overboard is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Overboard online?
Overboard is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Overboard Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Overboard
This movie wouldn’t make any of my top 20 lists (if I took the time to create some) but I think it is a charming film, and that is quite an accomplishment. Because if it weren’t for the talented ensemble main actors, Garry Marshall directing, and a witty script (the writer has Pay it Forward and others on her resume), this movie could easily have been a stinker. As it is, it has a lot of laughs, cute child actors, some character development, and a fun time for all. It is priceless to watch the Goldie Hawk character go from snooty, haughty rich bitch, to a sensitive self-deprecating amnesiac mom who is not cut out for motherhood and in over her head. What she learns about herself doesn’t come from her memory, but from what the Kurt Russell character relates to her, so she hears how she had sex with him their first date and she says, “I’m a slut.” Sexist, of course, but at least she is saying it about herself, and she does come through for her ‘family’ in the end. It is a harmless good time. I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch it, but I wouldn’t change channels if it came on either. As an aside, I haven’t seen the remake, so I can’t make comparisons. Probably should judge both on their own merits anyway, right?
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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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