Is Personal Best Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Personal Best is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 124 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Personal Best Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, Personal Best emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Young sprinter Chris Cahill is having difficulty reaching her potential as an athlete, until she meets established track star Tory Skinner. Unlike standard genre fare, Personal Best attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Personal Best features a noteworthy lineup led by Mariel Hemingway . Supported by the likes of Patrice Donnelly and Scott Glenn , 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 Personal Best (1982) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Personal Best Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Personal Best is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Personal Best Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Personal Best attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents 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 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Personal Best reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Personal Best?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Personal Best Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $16.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Personal Best Budget
The estimated production budget for Personal Best is $16.0M. 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 Personal Best
- Mariel Hemingway – Chris Cahill
- Patrice Donnelly – Tory Skinner
- Scott Glenn – Terry Tingloff
- Kenny Moore – Denny Stites
- Jim Moody – Roscoe Travis
Top Highlights
Mariel HemingwayChris Cahill
Patrice DonnellyTory Skinner
Scott GlennTerry Tingloff
Kenny MooreDenny Stites
Jim MoodyRoscoe Travis
Kari G. PeytonPenny Brill
Jodi AndersonNadia "Pooch" Anderson
Maren SeidlerTanya
Martha WatsonSheila
Emily DoleMaureen
Where to Watch Personal Best Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ 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
Personal Best is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Personal Best stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Personal Best movie hit or flop?
Personal Best has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Personal Best worth watching?
Personal Best is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Personal Best online?
Personal Best 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 Personal Best Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Personal Best
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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.
