Shallow Hal

PG-13

Released Nov 9, 2001

1 hr. 54 min.

Romance

Comedy

List

49%

134 Reviews

Tomatometer

45%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

The story revolves around Hal (Jack Black) who, taking his dying father's advice, dates only the embodiments of female physical perfection. But that all changes after Hal has an unexpected run-in with self-help guru Tony Robbins. Intrigued by Hal's shallowness, Robbins hypnotizes him into seeing the beauty that exists even in the least physically appealing women.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Apr 02

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Rent Shallow Hal on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

While surprisingly sweeter and warm-hearted than previous Farrelly outings, Shallow Hal is also less funny and more bland.

Read Critics Reviews

Julio R

this is my first time giving a review on rotten tomatoes ever and have been on this site constantly for over 2 decades. Despite the low reviews I actually really enjoyed this movie, I know I did as a kid but from re-watching it, it is something I can definitely go back and watch again in the future.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/24

Full Review

Kyle M

It means well in its considerate message while also assessing our social reactions, finding how it unrightfully been categorized as being insensitive and comedically flawed with inappropriately coerced frivolity considering its topic that should be taken more seriously with no signature jokes, including the periodical cheesiness that might be looked at differently out of acknowledged acceptance. (B-)

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/14/24

Full Review

Austin W

It was good And funny

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/17/24

Full Review

Alec B

My issue is less about how well this has aged, rather I think the real problem is that the Farrelly brothers try to have the movie both ways. They want the heart and the cheap fat jokes which I suppose is fine but there isn't a lot of variety in those jokes.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/10/24

Full Review

Madly W

I was extremely shocked to see the rating for this movie. Yes, it's critical but not everything has to be taken to heart. I personally thought this movie was great. Definitely a fav that stays on repeat!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One of my favorite movies! Of course I can understand that people don’t like it because it didn’t age well. But the truth of the matter is that it is reality. People want to believe that everyone is accepted no matter what they look like but that’s far from the truth. And I love the message of beauty is only skin deep.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Robert Farrelly

Director

Peter Farrelly

Director

Gwyneth Paltrow

Rosemary

Jack Black

Hal

Jason Alexander

Mauricio

Joe Viterelli

Steve Shanahan

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

42%

56%

Someone Like You

25%

43%

Love Potion No. 9

36%

52%

Out to Sea

10%

56%

Head Over Heels

60%

62%

Down With Love

TRAILER

for Down With Love

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Definitive Jack Black Movies

Willis Ponders "Die Hard 4" and "Another 16 Blocks"

Special Olympians Find No Problem with Knoxville’s "Ringer"

View more photos

Roger Clarke

Independent (UK)

Unexpectedly rather sweet and underplayed, given that it comes from the gross-out kings.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 8, 2023

Full Review

Telegraph Staff

Daily Telegraph (UK)

The situations become too embarrassing to be funny.

Nov 8, 2023

Full Review

Christy Lemire

Associated Press

A movie that meanders from one sight gag to the next, many of which you've already seen in the commercials.

Jun 12, 2018

Full Review

Philip French

Observer (UK)

After a ponderous start, the Farrellys eventually unveil their big dramatic idea rather slowly, but don't know where to take it. Having wandered around in circles for nearly two hours they end up in embarrassment.

Nov 8, 2023

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The pervasive, uncomfortable feeling from Hal's confusion distracts from the commendable nature of the themes and the effectiveness of the humor.

Rated: 5/10

Nov 9, 2020

Full Review

Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Obviously no one bothered to tell Bobby and Peter Farrelly to stick to what they do best in film making - insanity, stupidity and raunchy bathroom jokes.

Nov 16, 2019

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

The story revolves around Hal (Jack Black) who, taking his dying father's advice, dates only the embodiments of female physical perfection. But that all changes after Hal has an unexpected run-in with self-help guru Tony Robbins. Intrigued by Hal's shallowness, Robbins hypnotizes him into seeing the beauty that exists even in the least physically appealing women.

Director: Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Screenwriter: Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, Sean Moynahan
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox, Conundrum Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 9, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $70.8M
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now