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The First Wives Club

Play trailer Poster for The First Wives Club PG 1996 1h 42m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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49% Tomatometer 75 Reviews 68% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Despondent over the marriage of her ex-husband to a younger woman, a middle-aged divorcée plunges to her death from her penthouse. At the woman's funeral, her former college friends (Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton) reunite for the first time in nearly 30 years. When the three discover the reason for their friend's suicide, they realize that all of their ex-husbands have taken them for granted -- and deciding it's time for revenge, they make a pact to get back at their exes.
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The First Wives Club

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Critics Consensus

First Wives Club is headlined by a trio of comedic dynamos, but the script lets them down with tepid plotting and a fatal lack of satirical bite.

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Critics Reviews

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Anthony Puccinelli Chicago Reader Nowadays people actually read about the box-office gross of films as if it means something personal to them. Rated: 2/4 Jun 14, 2022 Full Review Rita Kempley Washington Post In the end, "The First Wives Club" even betrays its own bylaws. Revenge is a dish not served. Did Thelma and Louise make their sacrifice for nothing? Jan 9, 2019 Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Oh, the stories Hawn, Midler and Keaton could tell about men. But we never get to hear them in "The First Wives Clubs." Instead, it's high jinks as they plot revenge, get the money. Rated: 2/4 Jan 9, 2019 Full Review Peter Canavese Celluloid Dreams An unapologetically star vehicle which satirizes the indignities inflicted on middle-aged women with a punchy script and three terrific lead performances. Rated: 3/4 Jun 27, 2022 Full Review Sheila Reid Women in the Life Hawn, Midler and Keaton form an impressive selection of seasoned actresses that make this otherwise so-so script... hilarious. May 16, 2022 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...generally feels like it could (and should) be so much better... Rated: 2/4 Oct 16, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Nathan J. Rating: 7/10 The First Wives Club is a beloved 90s comedy classic that showcases the legendary chemistry of Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton. This smart, sharp, and hilarious revenge fantasy is a masterclass in ensemble comedy. Highlights - Legendary Cast: The trio of Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton is a comedic dream team with electric chemistry. - Sharp Screenplay: The story is a clever and well-plotted caper that provides a perfect vehicle for its stars to shine. - Iconic Moments: The film is packed with quotable lines and iconic moments, including the legendary "You Don't Own Me" musical number. Criticisms - Flat Direction: The film's direction can feel a bit flat and stagey at times. - Idealized Plot: The plot is highly idealized, requiring a significant suspension of disbelief. Verdict The First Wives Club is a must-see 90s comedy classic that's as fun and quotable today as it was upon its release. With its powerful story of empowerment and legendary leads, it's a hilarious and deeply satisfying film that remains a beloved favorite. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/21/25 Full Review Me This is a great woman empowering film with a whole bunch of laughs a great cast and I wish they'd make a two a version for now Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/25 Full Review Sadie L Icons, sisters are doing it for themselves, camp, colossal and full of bitchy fun! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/04/25 Full Review Stephen C Funny in 1 hour and 42 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $105,500,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/04/25 Full Review alan g Surprisingly good. Pampered first wives get ditched for younger models and get revenge. Surprise satisfying ending. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/28/25 Full Review Rose T Fun movie, excellent acting, cannot believe it is only 50% on Rotten Tomato , that is Insane! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/12/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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The First Wives Club

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Social Climb is On the Rise The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Social Climb is On the Rise 2:16 The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Battle of the Insults The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Battle of the Insults 2:10 The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Sprung with Divorce The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Sprung with Divorce 2:12 The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Going Down The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Going Down 2:06 The First Wives Club: Official Clip - The Club Comes to Order The First Wives Club: Official Clip - The Club Comes to Order 2:11 The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Sweet Revenge The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Sweet Revenge 1:46 The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Hit Me! The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Hit Me! 0:54 The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Youth and Beauty The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Youth and Beauty 1:21 The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Elise Liquidates The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Elise Liquidates 1:09 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Despondent over the marriage of her ex-husband to a younger woman, a middle-aged divorcée plunges to her death from her penthouse. At the woman's funeral, her former college friends (Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton) reunite for the first time in nearly 30 years. When the three discover the reason for their friend's suicide, they realize that all of their ex-husbands have taken them for granted -- and deciding it's time for revenge, they make a pact to get back at their exes.
Director
Hugh Wilson
Producer
Scott Rudin
Screenwriter
Olivia Goldsmith, Robert Harling
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 20, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 17, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$105.5M
Runtime
1h 42m
Sound Mix
Surround
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