As Good as It Gets

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2:31

As Good as It Gets

PG-13

1997

2h 18m

Romance

Comedy

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

84 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

12/23/2019

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.

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Anupama Chopra

Film Companion

08/28/2018

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

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Jason Bailey

Vice

01/02/2018

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.

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James Croot

The Post NZ

08/28/2023

4/5

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

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Dan DiNicola

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

01/19/2023

A-

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

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

01/07/2023

3.5/4

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.

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Oggie B

@OGDawg Nov 29

As Good As It Gets features a masterclass in writing, directing, and acting while reminding us that people can grow and evolve in their lives

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Lisa J

Nov 23

Still a great romantic dramedy of the ’90s. Jack Nicholson is great; I'm not sure why Helen Hunt is interested, but it's a terrific story.

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Blobbo X

@Blobbo Nov 13

Memorably memorable. Maybe bit too long.

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judy b

Nov 11

One of the best movies ever! Am watching it now for the fourth time. You don’t always think of Jack Nicholas in a funny rom/com, but this is one of the best ever!

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paul o

@Paulo190408 Oct 3

Not the greatest film ever but hugely enjoyable. Nicholson and Hunt were excellent.

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Sep 22

Nothing to say here. A rare 5 star movie. Jack's finest performance in a while. Exceptional dialogue. Great and interesting story. Loved it in the theatres and love it even more now in 2025. It's the movie you wish all other movies could be of the same caliber.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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As Good as It Gets: Trailer 1

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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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