Is The Stepford Wives Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Stepford Wives is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 117 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Stepford Wives Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1975, The Stepford Wives emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Joanna Eberhart comes to the town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents. Unlike standard genre fare, The Stepford Wives attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Stepford Wives features a noteworthy lineup led by Katharine Ross . Supported by the likes of Paula Prentiss and Nanette Newman , 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 Stepford Wives (1975) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Stepford Wives Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Stepford Wives is a Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction, Horror film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Stepford Wives Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Stepford Wives concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to mystery 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Stepford Wives reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Stepford Wives?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Mystery films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Stepford Wives Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $500.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Stepford Wives Budget
The estimated production budget for The Stepford Wives is $500.0K. 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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Full Cast & Crew of The Stepford Wives
- Katharine Ross – Joanna Eberhart
- Paula Prentiss – Bobbie Markowe
- Nanette Newman – Carol Van Sant
- Judith Baldwin – Patricia Cornell
- Peter Masterson – Walter Eberhart
Top Highlights
Katharine RossJoanna Eberhart
Paula PrentissBobbie Markowe
Nanette NewmanCarol Van Sant
Judith BaldwinPatricia Cornell
Peter MastersonWalter Eberhart
Tina LouiseCharmaine Wimpiris
Carol Eve RossenDr. Fancher
William PrinceIke Mazzard
Mary Stuart MastersonKim Eberhart
Patrick O'NealDale Coba
Where to Watch The Stepford Wives Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
The Stepford Wives is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Stepford Wives stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1975 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Stepford Wives movie hit or flop?
The Stepford Wives has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Stepford Wives worth watching?
The Stepford Wives is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Stepford Wives online?
The Stepford Wives may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Stepford Wives Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Stepford Wives
_**Slow-burn creepy 70's Sci-fi/drama**_ A couple (Katharine Ross & Peter Masterson) moves from the Big Apple to Stepford, Connecticut, where many of the wives of the village are oblivious to the current women's lib movement; they seem wholly dedicated to their husbands, home & garden and keeping themselves well-groomed and primed for sex. The husband joins the mysterious all-male organization of the town which seems to be up to something fishy. Paula Prentiss is on hand as Joanna’s quirky new friend while Tina Louise plays another newbie resident. “The Stepford Wives” (1975) is a drama/mystery that morphs into sci-fi/horror. It’s iconic for good reason. The story’s captivating and the movie’s all-around entertaining. The story's not campy at all, like the confused 2004 version. This is serious and creepy sci-fi/drama with a bit o’ satire. It powerfully succeeds while the similar-themed "Westworld" (1973) is only passable. Unfortunately, the film takes too much time with the building mystery where some of the drama is just plain dull. Nevertheless, it’s a notable film of the 70s tarnished only by the misguided remake in the 2000s. The film runs 1 hour, 55 minutes, and was shot in Connecticut (Norwalk, Westport, Darien, Weston, Fairfield & Redding), except for the opening Manhattan scenes. GRADE: B
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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