The First Wives Club

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The First Wives Club

PG

1996

1h 42m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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

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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

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...generally feels like it could (and should) be so much better...

Rated: 2/4

Oct 16, 2021

Full Review

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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

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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

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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

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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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