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Steel Magnolias

Play trailer Poster for Steel Magnolias PG 1989 1h 58m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 82 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 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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Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias

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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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Critics Reviews

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Peter Goddard Toronto Star 05/03/2024
Director Herbert Ross' attempts to tart up the original are fussy and clumsy by turns. Go to Full Review
Joe Pollack St. Louis Post-Dispatch 05/03/2024
MacLaine is wonderful, and she ought to be. She has all the best lines, and is the freest spirit in the Louisiana community. Go to Full Review
Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer 05/03/2024
2.5/5
For all of its faults, Magnolias is in good company. Go to Full Review
Carolyn Clay Boston Phoenix 05/03/2024
Director Ross has so overburdened and overdecorated the little comedy that it goes as flat as uncorked Coke. Go to Full Review
Hal Lipper Tampa Bay Times 05/03/2024
Knowing the story hardly lessens Steel Magnolias impact or its humor, still its strongest element. Go to Full Review
Bob Ross Tampa Tribune 05/03/2024
3/4
Herbert Ross is such a pro that his works is as unobtrusive as it is effective. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Virginia B Nov 2 What a great cast I almost forgot it what it was like to see such a great movie. A total lady flick in my humble opinion. Glad I got to see it. Thanks for the re-release. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch Dec 7 Steel Magnolias is a timeless cinematic masterpiece that celebrates the power of female friendship and resilience. Featuring an extraordinary ensemble cast including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Sally Field, and Daryl Hannah, the film captures a warm, intimate community of women navigating life’s joys and sorrows. The screenplay balances humor and heartbreak seamlessly, from witty salon banter to profoundly emotional moments, like Sally Field’s portrayal of a mother facing unimaginable pain. Julia Roberts shines as Shelby, bringing vulnerability and bravery that leave a lasting impact. Dylan McDermott adds grounded support without overshadowing the women. Set in a charming Southern town, the film’s aesthetic enhances its heartfelt tone, making the salon feel like a living space of connection and confession. Even decades later, its themes of love, loss, and strength resonate deeply, proving its enduring relevance and emotional power. See more Geri H. @Ghlowe Nov 20 Stellar cast. So well written. True story. See more VITALII H @freakynickison Oct 26 Very nostalgic, happy, sad, entertaining & joyful! I am obsessed with Dolly Parton's character! She was bringing so much to the movie. Small town life during the 80s, that's all I'm gonna say! The movie is full of life! See more Ava S @avawatches Jul 12 It falls into cliché territory and stereotypes occassionally but Steel Magnolias still provides strong social commentary, heartfelt emotion, and an amazing sense of female camaraderie. See more Jay W Jun 3 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. See more Read all reviews
Steel Magnolias

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Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways 1:36 Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Life Support Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Life Support 2:12 Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - I Wanna Know Why Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - I Wanna Know Why 2:13 Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Not Exactly Great News Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Not Exactly Great News 1:40 Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - A Guardian Angel Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - A Guardian Angel 1:30 Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - A Very Bad Mood for 40 Years Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - A Very Bad Mood for 40 Years 1:28 Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - 30 Minutes of Wonderful Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - 30 Minutes of Wonderful 2:18 Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Too Much Insulin Steel Magnolias: Official Clip - Too Much Insulin 2:13 View more videos
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Movie Info

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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