The First Wives Club

Play trailer

The First Wives Club

PG

1996

1h 45m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

Tomatometer

78 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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

Anthony Puccinelli

Chicago Reader

06/14/2022

2/4

Nowadays people actually read about the box-office gross of films as if it means something personal to them.

Go to Full Review

Rita Kempley

Washington Post

01/09/2019

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?

Go to Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

01/09/2019

2/4

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.

Go to Full Review

Dan DiNicola

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

Apr 10

C

Simple and trite.

Go to Full Review

Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

Jan 28

3/5

I would've liked things to be a bit more serious but given the time, I understand why they leaned more into the comedy.

Go to Full Review

Tatiana Albandos

Medium Popcorn

Jan 28

4/5

I was a little disappointed that all of the men in these women's lives were all terrible. I felt that was a bit unrealistic but it didn't prevent me from enjoying this movie.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

R T

@Jonathanbing Apr 28

Their revenge is well organized n an inspiration to women faced with similar betrayal. The final musical scene should be the manta of all women. Please ignore all the negative reviews n view yourself!

See more

Donn A

@RT58687407 Feb 13

fabulous trio of a lead. a hot mess for a plot but forgivable

See more

Nathan J.

@NathanDirector Oct 21

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.

See more

Me

@ScareMeMore Oct 16

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

See more

Sadie L

@RT69592412 Jul 4

Icons, sisters are doing it for themselves, camp, colossal and full of bitchy fun!

See more

alan g

@agenser 02/28/2025

Surprisingly good. Pampered first wives get ditched for younger models and get revenge. Surprise satisfying ending.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Hugh Wilson

Director

Goldie Hawn

Elise Elliot

Bette Midler

Brenda Cushman

Diane Keaton

Annie Paradis

Maggie Smith

Gunilla Garson Goldberg

Sarah Jessica Parker

Shelly Stewart

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Social Climb is On the Rise

2:16

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Battle of the Insults

2:10

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Sprung with Divorce

2:12

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Going Down

2:06

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - The Club Comes to Order

2:11

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Sweet Revenge

1:46

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Hit Me!

0:54

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Youth and Beauty

1:21

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Elise Liquidates

1:09

View more videos

My Father, the Hero

21%

54%

My Father, the Hero

Watchlist

The Beautician and the Beast

23%

46%

The Beautician and the Beast

Watchlist

Crocodile Dundee II

12%

38%

Crocodile Dundee II

Watchlist

Paper Moon

91%

95%

Paper Moon

Watchlist

Summer Rental

19%

52%

Summer Rental

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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 45m
Sound Mix: Surround