Grumpy Old Men

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Grumpy Old Men

PG-13

Released Dec 25, 1993

1h 44m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

66%

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47 Reviews

74%

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100,000+ Ratings

John Gustafson (Jack Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Walter Matthau) are two curmudgeonly neighbors who have been at each other's throats for years. The rivalry of the former friends intensifies when Ariel (Ann-Margret) comes along and provides a love interest for both of them. When Max finds out that John is experiencing family troubles and financial ruin, however, he steps in to help. Their bond is further cemented when John has a health scare and Max makes the ultimate sacrifice for his friend.

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Critics Consensus

Grumpy Old Men's stars are better than the material they're given -- but their comedic chemistry is so strong that whenever they share the screen, it hardly matters.

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Simon Rose

Empire Magazine

Watching Matthau and Lemmon in this vehicle is sometimes hard to stomach after knowing that they are worthy of so much more.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 5, 2020

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Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

They're two saints of sarcasm. And they work their magic here with only the flimsiest sitcom structure to support them.

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 5, 2020

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Adam Mars-Jones

Independent (UK)

In their prime, the by-play of these two (Lemmon and Matthau) was like an entertainingly bad marriage, but time has made their antagonism seem perfunctory, and the rapport that underlies it somehow smug.

Nov 15, 2017

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a slightly overlong yet predominantly affable comedy...

Rated: 3/4

Apr 6, 2025

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Rob Lowing

The Sun-Herald (Australia)

This is formula comedy all the way but somehow the skimpy plot and rehashed situations prove amusing in a leisurely not irritating way.

Rated: 2.5/4

Feb 28, 2024

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Cory Woodroof

615 Film

Oh, to have been a senior citizen at the height of the Grumpy Old Men films. What dreams may come.

Jan 15, 2023

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Sarah G.

Great comedy romance. Funny lines especially from Burgess Meredith - “Keep the change.” 😆 Perfect feel good movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/16/25

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Ed .

Foul film series that, had it not ceased, might have ushered in mercy killings of grumpy old men.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

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Carlos I

With their unmatched comedic timing, Grumpy Old Men truly shines as a pinnacle in Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau's collaborations. While Odd Couple is a favorite, this film, with its hilarious one-upmanship and surprisingly heartwarming moments, feels like the perfect vehicle for their unique chemistry. It's a joy to watch them bicker, scheme, and ultimately, reveal the deep bond beneath their curmudgeonly exteriors.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/03/25

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Bobby E

Rotton tomatoes dos'nt know anything about what the audience cares for when it comes to films .

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/12/25

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Drew F

A fun and enjoyable comedy.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/03/25

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95KIPPIE T

Absolutely wonderful movie! Two of the greatest actors of our time quite frankly. It’s funny, sad irritating, encompassing, all emotions. What does rotten tomatoes know?? They never give anything it’s full due unless it’s something they like! Critics, ha

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/25

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Donald Petrie

Director

Jack Lemmon

John Gustafson

Walter Matthau

Max Goldman

Ann-Margret

Ariel Truax

Daryl Hannah

Melanie

Buck Henry

Snyder

Dave

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Synopsis

John Gustafson (Jack Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Walter Matthau) are two curmudgeonly neighbors who have been at each other's throats for years. The rivalry of the former friends intensifies when Ariel (Ann-Margret) comes along and provides a love interest for both of them. When Max finds out that John is experiencing family troubles and financial ruin, however, he steps in to help. Their bond is further cemented when John has a health scare and Max makes the ultimate sacrifice for his friend.

Director: Donald Petrie
Producer: Richard C. Berman, John Davis
Screenwriter: Mark Steven Johnson
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: John Davis, Warner Brothers
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 24, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $69.3M
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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