Is Year One Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Year One is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Year One Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Year One emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Adventure domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world. Unlike standard genre fare, Year One attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Year One features a noteworthy lineup led by Jack Black . Supported by the likes of Michael Cera and Oliver Platt , 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 Year One (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Year One Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Year One is a Comedy, Adventure 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.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world. 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: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Year One Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Year One attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents 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 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Year One reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Year One?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Year One Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $60.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $62.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Year One Budget
The estimated production budget for Year One is $60.0M. 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 Year One
- Jack Black – Zed
- Michael Cera – Oh
- Oliver Platt – High Priest
- David Cross – Cain
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse – Isaac
Top Highlights
Jack BlackZed
Michael CeraOh
Oliver PlattHigh Priest
David CrossCain
Christopher Mintz-PlasseIsaac
Vinnie JonesSargon
Hank AzariaAbraham
Juno TempleEema
Olivia WildePrincess Inanna
June Diane RaphaelMaya
Where to Watch Year One Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Year One is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Year One stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Year One movie hit or flop?
Year One has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Year One worth watching?
Year One is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Year One online?
Year One 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 Year One Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Year One
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
