The Hangover
Performance & Direction: The Hangover Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Hangover (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. 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 Hangover features a noteworthy lineup led by Bradley Cooper . Supported by the likes of Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis , 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 Hangover (2009) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Hangover
Quick Plot Summary: The Hangover 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. When three friends finally come to after a raucous night of bachelor-party revelry, they find a baby in the closet and a tiger in the bathroom. But they can't seem to locate their best friend, Doug – who's supposed to be tying the knot. Launching a frantic search for Doug, the trio perseveres through a nasty hangover to try to make it to the church on time. 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.
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
Ending Explained: The Hangover
Ending Breakdown: The Hangover resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for 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 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 The Hangover reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Hangover?
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 Hangover
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $469.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Hangover Budget
The estimated production budget for The Hangover is $35.0M. 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 Hangover
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Where to Watch The Hangover Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Hangover Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about The Hangover age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Hangover is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Hangover is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hangover worth watching?
The Hangover is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Hangover parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Hangover identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Hangover?
The total duration of The Hangover is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m 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.
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