Grumpy Old Men

Play trailer

Grumpy Old Men

PG-13

Released Dec 25, 1993

1h 44m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

66%

Tomatometer

47 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

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

Rated: 3/4

Apr 6, 2025

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Read all reviews

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Drew F

A fun and enjoyable comedy.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/03/25

Full Review

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

Full Review

alan g

A very weak attempt at rejuvenating the "Odd Couple". Waste of two great actors.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Donald Petrie

Director

Jack Lemmon

John Gustafson

Walter Matthau

Max Goldman

Ann-Margret

Ariel Truax

Daryl Hannah

Melanie

Buck Henry

Snyder

Dave

95%

72%

Dave

Watchlist

My Blue Heaven

71%

59%

My Blue Heaven

Watchlist

TRAILER

for My Blue Heaven

National Lampoon's European Vacation

37%

49%

National Lampoon's European Vacation

Watchlist

Mars Attacks!

55%

53%

Mars Attacks!

Watchlist

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

48%

57%

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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)

Most Popular at Home Now