The Hustler
Performance & Direction: The Hustler Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Hustler (1961) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Hustler features a noteworthy lineup led by Paul Newman . Supported by the likes of Jackie Gleason and Piper Laurie , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Hustler (1961) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.7/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: The Hustler
Quick Plot Summary: The Hustler is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Fast Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats to a high-stakes match. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: The Hustler
Ending Breakdown: The Hustler resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
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 drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of The Hustler demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Hustler?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: The Hustler
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $7.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Hustler Budget
The estimated production budget for The Hustler is $2.0M. 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 Hustler
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Where to Watch The Hustler Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeFlixFlingThe Hustler Parents Guide & Age Rating
1961 AdvisoryWondering about The Hustler age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Hustler is 134 minutes (2h 14m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Hustler is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1961 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hustler worth watching?
The Hustler is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.7/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Hustler parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Hustler identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Hustler?
The total duration of The Hustler is 134 minutes, which is approximately 2h 14m 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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