9 to 5

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9 to 5

PG

Released Dec 19, 1980

1h 50m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

70%

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102 Reviews

74%

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25,000+ Ratings

Office satire about three female secretaries who decide to get revenge on their tyrannical, sexist boss by abducting him and running the business themselves. The trio, one of whom has been passed over for promotion because she is a woman, spend a night together having drug-induced fantasies of killing the slave-driving chauvinist. One of them panics the following day when she suspects she really has poisoned the tyrant.

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Critics Consensus

It might not be much of a way to make a living, but 9 to 5 is a wonderfully cast comedy that makes some sharp points about gender roles in the workplace.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton are a formidably charismatic triumvirate.

Dec 27, 2023

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Kathleen Carroll

New York Daily News

Nine to Five still offers the best laughs of any movie this season.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 3, 2023

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Perry Stewart

Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com

Its farcical script wears a little thin at times, but director Colin Higgins scrambles adroitly.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 3, 2023

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…shaming men by their own behaviour is the point, and the feminist first-responders featured in 9 to 5 call out their misogynist workplace bullies with infectious spirit and enthusiasm….

Rated: 4/5

Aug 8, 2025

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Anatomy of a Scream Podcast Network

While the lengthy fantasy sequences take up too much screen time, Fonda, Tomlin and Parton are delightful as three different types of women uniting to fight the patriarchy. The film's subtle racial and class critiques are most welcome.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 6, 2023

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

It’s a pity Higgins didn’t survive to demonstrate what he could do beyond the confines of the very mainstream features he completed...

Jun 12, 2023

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 50 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/30/25

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Nicholas B

9 to 5 is a fantastic five-star comedy that I absolutely loved. The trio of Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin brings humor, charm, and sharp wit to a story filled with workplace rebellion and empowerment. The film’s mix of comedy, satire, and feel-good moments kept me entertained the whole way through. A true classic that delivers laughs and heart in equal measure.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/25/25

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The Upside D

Forget movie--this film was an absolute movement! From quick writing, to hidden subtlety, to outlandish coincidences! With three main characters that most every woman can relate to, in terms of personality and social standing. For the time--the 1980s it--does a fantastic job with representation, with many minorities playing supporting roles(that do NOT exist to help them, but as actual people with their own lives), dealing with the stigma around rehabilitation, in a lesser sub-plot. Not to mention the frustrations of the everyday working woman are shown clearly, presenting the viewer with an ultimatum: "Will you finally understand the world?" This is not just a movie. This is a story, about all of our stories. Any critc that doesn't focus on the moral of this movie is missing the point entirely, and choosing to ignore real-word issues.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/11/25

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Audience Member

One of the best classic cult comedies ever!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/25

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Farah R

Fonda, Tomlin, and Parton elevate this timeless comedy whose themes are still resonant today. With a witty script and fantastic performances, it's easy to lay back and enjoy the ride.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/25

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William G

I was 10 years old when this came out, and I thought it was great. Having seen it recently, I thought parts of it were kind of boring.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/07/25

Full Review

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Colin Higgins

Director

Jane Fonda

Judy Bernly

Lily Tomlin

Violet Newstead

Dolly Parton

Doralee Rhodes

Dabney Coleman

Franklin M. Hart Jr.

Sterling Hayden

Russell Tinsworthy

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Synopsis

Office satire about three female secretaries who decide to get revenge on their tyrannical, sexist boss by abducting him and running the business themselves. The trio, one of whom has been passed over for promotion because she is a woman, spend a night together having drug-induced fantasies of killing the slave-driving chauvinist. One of them panics the following day when she suspects she really has poisoned the tyrant.

Director: Colin Higgins
Producer: Bruce Gilbert
Screenwriter: Colin Higgins, Patricia Resnick
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox, IPC Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1980, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Runtime: 1h 50m

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