Steel Magnolias

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Steel Magnolias

PG

Released Nov 15, 1989

1h 58m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

73%

Tomatometer

82 Reviews

89%

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100,000+ Ratings

M'Lynn (Sally Field) is the mother of bride-to-be Shelby Eatenton (Julia Roberts), and as friend Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton) fixes the women's hair for the ceremony, they welcome a helping hand from aspiring beautician Annelle Dupuy Desoto (Daryl Hannah). Diabetic Shelby has a health scare, which is averted but doesn't bode well for her hopes of having children. Time passes, and the women and their friends encounter tragedy and good fortune, growing stronger and closer in the process.

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Critics Consensus

Steel Magnolias has jokes and characters to spare, which makes it more dangerous (and effective) when it goes for the full melodrama by the end.

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Peter Goddard

Toronto Star

Director Herbert Ross' attempts to tart up the original are fussy and clumsy by turns.

May 3, 2024

Full Review

Joe Pollack

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

MacLaine is wonderful, and she ought to be. She has all the best lines, and is the freest spirit in the Louisiana community.

May 3, 2024

Full Review

Carrie Rickey

Philadelphia Inquirer

For all of its faults, Magnolias is in good company.

Rated: 2.5/5

May 3, 2024

Full Review

Carolyn Clay

Boston Phoenix

Director Ross has so overburdened and overdecorated the little comedy that it goes as flat as uncorked Coke.

May 3, 2024

Full Review

Hal Lipper

Tampa Bay Times

Knowing the story hardly lessens Steel Magnolias impact or its humor, still its strongest element.

May 3, 2024

Full Review

Bob Ross

Tampa Tribune

Herbert Ross is such a pro that his works is as unobtrusive as it is effective.

Rated: 3/4

May 3, 2024

Full Review

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Jay W

The main group of ladies in this movie, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah, are right up there with the Magnificent 7, as the best ensemble group of characters in film history. This is very much a character driven story. The 'what' that is going on, is important only because of 'who' it is happening to. And because we, the audience, care about them, we care about what happens. They are not perfect people, they are not the sweetest of people or the nicest of friends, but they feel like real people going through real problems. And it made me real sad.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

Full Review

Nicholas B

Steel Magnolias is a heartfelt five-star drama that truly moved me. The incredible ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, bringing humor, warmth, and deep emotion to the story. Its themes of friendship, love, and resilience made a lasting impact on me, and I found myself completely invested in its touching moments. A beautifully crafted film that balances laughter and tears perfectly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/25/25

Full Review

Elodie M

No words could describe my love for this film, not a single flaw. The cast was incredible and the overall movie was absolutely perfect. If you’re looking for a sad film, this is definitely the one for you, I’ve never cried the same way I cried at this movie! Julia Roberts once again amazes us with her outstanding performance as Shelby!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/24/24

Full Review

Kelsey c

My favorite movie!! I love all the actors! 10/10

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/10/24

Full Review

annaliese t

I think the story is sweet but the movie lost me when they threaten to cut off some guy's private area. couldn't finish the movie

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/24/24

Full Review

Britta Y

I am shocked at the lower score it deserves a 97% atleast in my opinion!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/24

Full Review

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Herbert Ross

Director

Sally Field

M'Lynn Eatenton

Dolly Parton

Truvy Jones

Shirley MacLaine

Ouiser Boudreaux

Daryl Hannah

Annelle Dupuy Desoto

Olympia Dukakis

Clairee Belcher

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways

1:36

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Life Support

2:12

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - I Wanna Know Why

2:13

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Not Exactly Great News

1:40

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - A Guardian Angel

1:30

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - A Very Bad Mood for 40 Years

1:28

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - 30 Minutes of Wonderful

2:18

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Too Much Insulin

2:13

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Synopsis

M'Lynn (Sally Field) is the mother of bride-to-be Shelby Eatenton (Julia Roberts), and as friend Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton) fixes the women's hair for the ceremony, they welcome a helping hand from aspiring beautician Annelle Dupuy Desoto (Daryl Hannah). Diabetic Shelby has a health scare, which is averted but doesn't bode well for her hopes of having children. Time passes, and the women and their friends encounter tragedy and good fortune, growing stronger and closer in the process.

Director: Herbert Ross
Producer: Ray Stark
Screenwriter: Robert Harling, Robert Harling
Distributor: TriStar Pictures
Production Co: Rastar Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 15, 1989, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): May 5, 2024
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $79.4M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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