The Morning After

  • 1986
  • R
  • 102m
movieMx RATING
5.9/10128
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: The Morning After Review

Last updated: January 28, 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 28, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Morning After (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. 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 Morning After features a noteworthy lineup led by Jane Fonda . Supported by the likes of Jeff Bridges and Raúl Juliá , 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 Morning After (1986) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Morning After stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Morning After

Quick Plot Summary: The Morning After is a Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Crime 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 Morning After

Ending Breakdown: The Morning After 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 Morning After reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

The Morning After Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

The Morning After incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, mystery, romance, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: The Morning After adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch The Morning After?

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 Morning After

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $25.1M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
Advertisement

Top Cast: The Morning After

All Cast & Crew →
Jane Fonda
Jane FondaAlexandra Sternbergen
Jeff Bridges
Jeff BridgesTurner Kendall
Raúl Juliá
Raúl JuliáJoaquin "Jackie" Manero
Diane Salinger
Diane SalingerIsabel Harding
Richard Foronjy
Richard ForonjySergeant Greenbaum
Geoffrey Scott
Geoffrey ScottBobby Korshack
Don Hood
Don HoodHurley
Bruce Vilanch
Bruce VilanchBartender
Kathy Bates
Kathy BatesWoman on Mateo Street
Frances Bergen
Frances BergenMrs. Harding
Advertisement

Where to Watch The Morning After 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 Morning After Parents Guide & Age Rating

1986 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

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

The Morning After is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence, romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Morning After 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 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Morning After is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Morning After. Rating: 5.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Morning After worth watching?

The Morning After is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Morning After parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of The Morning After?

The total duration of The Morning After is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Morning After

How The Morning After Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Morning After

No reviews found for this filter.

🛡️

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.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.9
The Morning After
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-morning-after-31924" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.9</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Morning After</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Jane Fonda

View full filmography