About a Boy

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About a Boy

PG-13

Released May 17, 2002

1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

Romance

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Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

185 Reviews

55%

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250,000+ Ratings

A comedy-drama starring Hugh Grant as Will, a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary son and starts attending single parent meetings. As a result of one of his liaisons, he meets Marcus, an odd 12-year-old boy with problems at school. Gradually, Will and Marcus become friends, and as Will teaches Marcus how to be a cool kid, Marcus helps Will to finally grow up.

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Critics Consensus

About a Boy benefits tremendously from Hugh Grant's layered performance, as well as a funny, moving story that tugs at the heartstrings without tilting into treacle.

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Jami Bernard

New York Daily News

Even people who don't usually like Hugh Grant will be charmed by him in the scrappy, slightly scandalous comedy About a Boy.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 10, 2014

Full Review

David Denby

The New Yorker

The directors Paul and Chris Weitz -- the American Pie brothers -- have tried hard not to make a tearjerker, and at its best the movie is knowing and tart.

Feb 10, 2014

Full Review

David Edelstein

Slate

Mainstream comedies should all be this funny and tender and deftly performed.

Feb 10, 2014

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

A funny, insightful, sweet film

Jan 8, 2024

Full Review

Danny Anderson

Film Inquiry

The film has tremendous star power, added to this fact, it's a remarkably warm and witty film, filmed with unique creativity and visual gusto, and a catchy soundtrack.

Jun 12, 2021

Full Review

Sergio Benítez

Espinof

The splendid effectiveness of 'About a Boy' lies fully in the precise work of adaptation that the Weitz brothers make of the original text. [Full Review in Spanish]

Sep 4, 2019

Full Review

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Mikey B

Hugh Grant is at his Hugh Grant-iest in this smart and funny romantic comedy. The real stars though are Nicholas Hoult as the boy Grant claims as his own and Rachel Weisz as the woman who stirs Hugh Grants character. I give it a 7. A very good refreshing comedy.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/02/25

Full Review

John A

A very British dramedy. First act (or half) is obviously more amusing, funny and memorable than the soapy Disney Channel-esque finale that was serviceable enough in the long run.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

Full Review

Elaine C

Dare I say this is my favourite Hugh Grant movie, since by first watch, which is a long time ago. It showed Hugh in a whole different light as an actor, also the acting chops of his co stars, just look at Nicholas Hoult, the boy, now and of course our beloved Toni Collette. The film, is touching, humorous and totally entertaining.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/12/25

Full Review

Chris O

This is one of my favorites. Nothing wrong with it. Maybe a bit sappy and sentimental. Not sure why the low score.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/01/25

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Faiz D

Hugh Grant gives a charming performance.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/24

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Leielle D

This movie is definitely one of my favorites. It shows the themes of hardship, friendship and the importance of allowing new experiences, new people and new perspectives into your life. It is also incredibly funny, witty, and so interesting. I love this movie!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/24

Full Review

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Chris Weitz

Director

Paul Weitz

Director

Hugh Grant

Will

Rachel Weisz

Rachel

Toni Collette

Fiona

Nicholas Hoult

Marcus

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About a Boy: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A comedy-drama starring Hugh Grant as Will, a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary son and starts attending single parent meetings. As a result of one of his liaisons, he meets Marcus, an odd 12-year-old boy with problems at school. Gradually, Will and Marcus become friends, and as Will teaches Marcus how to be a cool kid, Marcus helps Will to finally grow up.

Director: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Producer: Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, Brad Epstein, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
Screenwriter: Peter Hedges, Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, Nick Hornby
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: StudioCanal, Tribeca Productions, Universal Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Some Thematic Elements|Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 17, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $40.6M
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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