As Good as It Gets

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As Good as It Gets

PG-13

Released Dec 19, 1997

2h 18m

Romance

Comedy

LGBTQ+

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Popcornmeter

86%

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85 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is an obsessive-compulsive writer of romantic fiction who's rude to everyone he meets, including his gay neighbor Simon (Greg Kinnear), but when he has to look after Simon's dog, he begins to soften and, if still not completely over his problems, finds he can conduct a relationship with the only waitress (Helen Hunt) at the local diner who'll serve him.

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Critics Consensus

James L. Brooks and Jack Nicholson, doing what they do best, combine smart dialogue and flawless acting to squeeze fresh entertainment value out of the romantic-comedy genre.

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

With terrific lead performances by Jack Nicholson as a demonic novelist and Helen Hunt as a Manhattan waitress, As Good as It Gets is as good as mature adult entertainment gets on the silver screen.

Dec 23, 2019

Full Review

Anupama Chopra

Film Companion

This is the stuff of formula but director James L. Brooks and co-writer Mark Andrus elevate it with terrific writing.

Aug 28, 2018

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Jason Bailey

Vice

On one hand, it's Brooks's film that most betrays his TV sitcom roots; it's also one of his more ambitious works, packing in subplots and subjects by the handful-indicative of a filmmaker who seems to genuinely struggle with the confines of the genre.

Jan 2, 2018

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James Croot

The Post NZ

Despite seemingly being given pretty much free rein to ham things up mercilessly, he [Jack Nicholson] shines without ever becoming too much.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 28, 2023

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Dan DiNicola

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

A charming romantic comedy that will make you laugh and feel good. Excellent performances all around.

Rated: A-

Jan 19, 2023

Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

James L. Brooks’ screenplay is fantastic, we are in their lives, it feels as if we are PART of their lives and watching it from right up close.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 7, 2023

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Jake S.

One of a kind. The acting that Jack accomplishes in this flick is amazing. Funny, romantic, just spectacular.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/02/25

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Aaron P

It a movie that will take you from hating people around to understand why they act they way they do. All of us have issues in our life, and many act as the world around is full of hate. But, people do not understand that all of us have the same problems, and hopes, but, we step on others so we can get what we want.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/30/25

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R T

Jack Nicholson is terrific in this film but the film itself, though watchable, is a lesson on emasculation where, like Scrooge, you're only seen as a "good guy" if you splash the cash and do favours for people ie become a mug

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

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Audience Member

It was a nice movie overall

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/05/25

Full Review

Roberto T

Not as bad as you'd think

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

Full Review

GM H

Fantastic characters, story line, humor, plot and all around Done right! Loved this movie!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/30/24

Full Review

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James L. Brooks

Director

Jack Nicholson

Melvin Udall

Helen Hunt

Carol Connelly

Greg Kinnear

Simon Bishop

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Frank Sachs

Skeet Ulrich

Vincent Lopiano

As Good as It Gets: Official Clip - Sell Crazy Someplace Else

1:34

As Good as It Gets: Official Clip - The Greatest Woman Alive

2:13

As Good as It Gets: Official Clip - Verdell the Dog

2:01

As Good as It Gets: Official Clip - You Make Me Want to Be a Better Man

2:01

As Good as It Gets: Official Clip - Who Needs These Thoughts?

2:13

As Good as It Gets: Official Clip - Good Times, Noodle Salad

2:12

As Good as It Gets: Official Clip - We're All Gonna Die Soon

2:01

As Good as It Gets: Official Clip - How Do You Write Women So Well?

1:57

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As Good as It Gets: Trailer 1

2:31

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Synopsis

Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) is an obsessive-compulsive writer of romantic fiction who's rude to everyone he meets, including his gay neighbor Simon (Greg Kinnear), but when he has to look after Simon's dog, he begins to soften and, if still not completely over his problems, finds he can conduct a relationship with the only waitress (Helen Hunt) at the local diner who'll serve him.

Director: James L. Brooks
Screenwriter: Mark Andrus
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Gracie Films, TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Comedy, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $147.6M
Runtime: 2h 18m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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