The Gingerbread Man

  • 1998
  • R
  • 114m
movieMx RATING
5.6/10171
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Gingerbread Man Review

Last updated: January 25, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 25, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Gingerbread Man (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Gingerbread Man features a noteworthy lineup led by Kenneth Branagh . Supported by the likes of Embeth Davidtz and Robert Downey Jr. , 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 The Gingerbread Man (1998) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.

Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Gingerbread Man stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Gingerbread Man

Quick Plot Summary: The Gingerbread Man is a Thriller film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: The Gingerbread Man

Ending Breakdown: The Gingerbread Man attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Gingerbread Man reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Gingerbread Man?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Thriller films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Gingerbread Man

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $25.0M
Worldwide Gross $1.7M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Gingerbread Man Budget

The estimated production budget for The Gingerbread Man is $25.0M. 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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Top Cast: The Gingerbread Man

All Cast & Crew →
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth BranaghRick Magruder
Embeth Davidtz
Embeth DavidtzMallory Doss
Daryl Hannah
Daryl HannahLois Harlan
Tom Berenger
Tom BerengerPete Randle
Famke Janssen
Famke JanssenLeeanne Magruder
Mae Whitman
Mae WhitmanLibby Magruder
Jesse James
Jesse JamesJeff Magruder
Robert Duvall
Robert DuvallDixon Doss
Clyde Hayes
Clyde HayesCarl Alden
Troy Byer
Troy ByerKonnie Dugan (as Troy Beyer)
Julia Ryder Perce
Julia Ryder PerceCassandra (as Julia R. Perce)
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Where to Watch The Gingerbread Man Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

The Gingerbread Man Parents Guide & Age Rating

1998 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Gingerbread Man age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Gingerbread Man is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Gingerbread Man is 114 minutes (1h 54m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Gingerbread Man is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Gingerbread Man. Rating: 5.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Gingerbread Man worth watching?

The Gingerbread Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Gingerbread Man parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Gingerbread Man identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Gingerbread Man?

The total duration of The Gingerbread Man is 114 minutes, which is approximately 1h 54m long.

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How The Gingerbread Man Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Gingerbread Man

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.6
The Gingerbread Man
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