Is Simon Birch Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Simon Birch is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 114 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Simon Birch Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Simon Birch emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Simon Birch and Joe Wenteworth are boys who have a reputation for being oddballs. Unlike standard genre fare, Simon Birch 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 Simon Birch features a noteworthy lineup led by Ashley Judd . Supported by the likes of Ian Michael Smith and Joseph Mazzello , 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 Simon Birch (1998) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Simon Birch Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Simon Birch is a Comedy, Drama, Family 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.
Simon Birch Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Simon Birch concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents 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 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 Simon Birch reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Simon Birch?
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
Simon Birch Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Simon Birch Budget
The estimated production budget for Simon Birch is $20.0M. 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 Simon Birch
- Ashley Judd – Rebecca Wenteworth
- Ian Michael Smith – Simon Birch
- Joseph Mazzello – Joe Wenteworth
- Oliver Platt – Ben Goodrich
- David Strathairn – Rev. Russell
Top Highlights
Ashley JuddRebecca Wenteworth
Ian Michael SmithSimon Birch
Joseph MazzelloJoe Wenteworth
Oliver PlattBen Goodrich
David StrathairnRev. Russell
Dana IveyGrandmother Wenteworth
Beatrice WindeHilde Grove
Jan HooksMiss Agnes Leavey
Cecilley CarrollMarjorie
Jim CarreyAdult Joe Wenteworth
Where to Watch Simon Birch 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
Simon Birch is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Simon Birch stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simon Birch movie hit or flop?
Simon Birch has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Simon Birch worth watching?
Simon Birch is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Simon Birch online?
Simon Birch 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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Critic Reviews for Simon Birch
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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.
