Is Rushmore Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Rushmore is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Rushmore Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Rushmore emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When a beautiful first-grade teacher arrives at a prep school, she soon attracts the attention of an ambitious teenager named Max, who quickly falls in love with her. Unlike standard genre fare, Rushmore attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Rushmore features a noteworthy lineup led by Jason Schwartzman . Supported by the likes of Bill Murray and Olivia Williams , 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 Rushmore (1998) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Rushmore Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Rushmore is a Comedy, Drama 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. When a beautiful first-grade teacher arrives at a prep school, she soon attracts the attention of an ambitious teenager named Max, who quickly falls in love with her. Max turns to the father of two of his schoolmates for advice on how to woo the teacher. However, the situation soon gets complicated when Max's new friend becomes involved with her, setting the two pals against one another in a war for her attention. 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.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Rushmore Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Rushmore resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Rushmore reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Rushmore?
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
Rushmore Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $9.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $17.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Rushmore Budget
The estimated production budget for Rushmore is $9.0M. 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 Rushmore
- Jason Schwartzman – Max Fischer
- Bill Murray – Herman Blume
- Olivia Williams – Rosemary Cross
- Seymour Cassel – Bert Fischer
- Brian Cox – Dr. Nelson Guggenheim
Top Highlights
Jason SchwartzmanMax Fischer
Bill MurrayHerman Blume
Olivia WilliamsRosemary Cross
Seymour CasselBert Fischer
Brian CoxDr. Nelson Guggenheim
Mason GambleDirk Calloway
Sara TanakaMargaret Yang
Stephen McColeMagnus Buchan
Luke WilsonDr. Peter Flynn
Dipak PallanaMr. Adams
Where to Watch Rushmore 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
Rushmore is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, Rushmore stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rushmore movie hit or flop?
Rushmore is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy, Drama movies.
Is Rushmore worth watching?
Yes, Rushmore is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Rushmore online?
Rushmore 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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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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