The First Wives Club
Performance & Direction: The First Wives Club Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The First Wives Club (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The First Wives Club features a noteworthy lineup led by Goldie Hawn . Supported by the likes of Bette Midler and Diane Keaton , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: The First Wives Club
Quick Plot Summary: The First Wives Club is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. 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. After years of helping their hubbies climb the ladder of success, three mid-life Manhattanites have been dumped for a newer, curvier model. But the trio is determined to turn their pain into gain. They come up with a cleverly devious plan to hit their exes where it really hurts - in the wallet! 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 recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: The First Wives Club
Ending Breakdown: The First Wives Club 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 The First Wives Club reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The First Wives Club?
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
Box Office Collection: The First Wives Club
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $26.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $116.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The First Wives Club Budget
The estimated production budget for The First Wives Club is $26.0M. 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: The First Wives Club
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Where to Watch The First Wives Club Online?
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Apple TV StoreThe First Wives Club Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about The First Wives Club age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The First Wives Club is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, The First Wives Club is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The First Wives Club worth watching?
The First Wives Club is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The First Wives Club parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The First Wives Club identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The First Wives Club?
The total duration of The First Wives Club is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.
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movieMx Verified
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.
