Is Waking Ned Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Waking Ned is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Waking Ned Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Waking Ned emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When a lottery winner dies of shock, his fellow townsfolk attempt to claim the money. Unlike standard genre fare, Waking Ned attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Waking Ned features a noteworthy lineup led by Ian Bannen . Supported by the likes of David Kelly and Fionnula Flanagan , 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 Waking Ned (1998) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Waking Ned Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Waking Ned is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Waking Ned Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Waking Ned 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 Waking Ned reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Waking Ned?
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
Waking Ned Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $43.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Waking Ned Budget
The estimated production budget for Waking Ned is $3.0M. 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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Full Cast & Crew of Waking Ned
- Ian Bannen – Jackie O'Shea
- David Kelly – Michael O'Sullivan
- Fionnula Flanagan – Annie O'Shea
- Susan Lynch – Maggie O'Toole
- Brendan Dempsey – Jim Kelly
Top Highlights
Ian BannenJackie O'Shea
David KellyMichael O'Sullivan
Fionnula FlanaganAnnie O'Shea
Susan LynchMaggie O'Toole
Brendan DempseyJim Kelly
James NesbittPig Finn
Paul VaughanNarrator (voice)
Maura O'MalleyMrs. Kennedy
Robert HickeyMaurice O'Toole
Paddy WardBrendy O'Toole
Where to Watch Waking Ned Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Waking Ned is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Waking Ned stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waking Ned movie hit or flop?
Waking Ned is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy movies.
Is Waking Ned worth watching?
Yes, Waking Ned is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy cinema.
Where can I watch Waking Ned online?
Waking Ned 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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Critic Reviews for Waking Ned
I know that no movie is perfect, but I am hard pressed to think of any criticism for this movie, known as Waking Ned Devine here in the U.S. Perhaps I will come up with a weakness by the time I finish writing this. This is a feel good movie from start to finish. Okay, a character dies at the beginning, but only right after he wins the lottery. They set up the action by introducing several characters and fill in background on them. Then the story itself is told simply and well. Kirk Jones wrote and directed the film, which apparently stated out to be a ten-minute short. Fortunately for all of us, he was encouraged to expand it to a full-length feature. It won or was nominated for a lot of awards. So,e actors agreed to be made less than usual to ensure the film got made, and I believe some people who lived where it was filmed (Isle of Man) took part also. Oddly enough, Jones still only has a handful of film writing credits. Before movies he made some very successful advertising commercials. In addition to being a funny, charming movie, the soundtrack is one of my favorites for a movie. The music sets the mood and even helps tell the story in places. Well, sorry, I guess I didn’t think of anything critical to say about Waking Ned (Devine).
"Jackie" (Ian Bannen) has an ingenious way of getting his wife "Annie" (Fionnula Flanagan) to bring his ice cream to his armchair - he feigns a lottery win! That sets the tone for the rest of this light-hearted comedy as he discovers that one of their number has actually won over £6 millions. Now it's a tiny village, so together with his pal "Michael" (David Kelly) the three of them begin a process of elimination to discover the real winner. Nobody seems to be splashing the cash, though! The puzzle is finally solved when they clock that "Ned" hasn't been seen for a while. A trip to his house delivers sad news but an opportunity - if only they can convince the lottery man... This reminded me a little of the original "Whisky Galore" (1949) in that it presents a community with a chance to engage in some community mischief which is, of course, entirely fraudulent - but leaves you hoping that they get away with their plan. The pacing is almost perfect, Bannen and Kelly gel well together and there are a few daft sub-plots to help keep the film moving along nicely. I maybe wouldn't use a phone box there anytime soon, though!
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
