The Founder

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The Founder

PG-13

Released Jan 20, 2017

1h 55m

Biography

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

245 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

The true story of how Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a struggling salesman from Illinois, met Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman), who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers' speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential. Kroc soon maneuvers himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a multi-billion dollar empire.

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Critics Consensus

The Founder puts Michael Keaton's magnetic performance at the center of a smart, satisfying biopic that traces the rise of one of America's most influential businessmen -- and the birth of one of its most far-reaching industries.

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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

Hancock's bland biopic offers a sanitised and sympathetic take on the burger chain's beginnings and the man who turned it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 19, 2017

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

One of the many pleasures in John Lee Hancock's study of the man who made McDonald's an empire is its reminder that even the simplest ideas need to be invented.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 17, 2017

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Ed Potton

Times (UK)

The man, played with dark relish by Michael Keaton, has the fabulous name of Ray Kroc (there is a suitably reptilian air to his grin as he says things such as: "Contracts are like hearts. They're made to be broken").

Rated: 3/5

Feb 16, 2017

Full Review

Diana Tuova

Spotlight on Film

This is definitely a film to watch – not only as a real “eye-opener” into the success of the world’s most recognisable fast-food chain, but also for Keaton’s dedicated and enthusiastic performance.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 12, 2024

Full Review

Noah Berlatsky

Everything is Horrible (Substack)

John Lee Hancock's The Founder is the perfect movie for a country that has just chosen a vapid brand for its chief executive.

Apr 6, 2023

Full Review

Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

Thanks to a strong, character-focused script by Robert Siegel (The Wrestler) and engaging performances across the board, it all turns out to be pretty riveting stuff.

Rated: 8/10

Nov 1, 2022

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Aaron F

not a terrible film, but I'm not sure who I'm meant to root for, made me seriously consider stopping getting McDonald's just for what they did to the original founders

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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Robbie D

I liked it it had good acting and was incredible because of the casting I loved it watch it

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

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Laurie S

A good solid film. There's one in Gozo. I ordered a Quarter Pounder, fries and a tea. It didn't take long. My number came up and I took them to the park where I also feed stray cats. I opened up the bag and there were chicken nuggets fit for a child but not for an adult. I've never been back.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/24/25

Full Review

Audience Member

The Founder is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that offers an in-depth look at the cutthroat world of business and entrepreneurship. Michael Keaton’s magnetic performance is the driving force behind the film, and while it could have benefited from a deeper exploration of certain characters and themes, it remains an entertaining and informative watch. Whether you love or loathe Ray Kroc, the movie presents an interesting case study in ambition, success, and the cost of achieving the American Dream.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/19/25

Full Review

Stefano C

I liked it because it doesn't focus only on one side of the story, but you can really feel the reasons of both. Worth a watch!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/14/25

Full Review

Shane O

Excellent film about greed and blind ambition, well acted a must watch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/06/25

Full Review

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John Lee Hancock

Director

Michael Keaton

Ray Kroc

Nick Offerman

Dick McDonald

John Carroll Lynch

Mac McDonald

Laura Dern

Ethel Kroc

Linda Cardellini

Joan Smith

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The Founder: Trailer 3

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The Founder: Trailer 2

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The Founder: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The true story of how Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a struggling salesman from Illinois, met Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman), who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers' speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential. Kroc soon maneuvers himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a multi-billion dollar empire.

Director: John Lee Hancock
Producer: Don Handfield, Jeremy Renner, Aaron Ryder
Screenwriter: Robert D. Siegel
Distributor: Weinstein Co.
Production Co: The Weinstein Company, Faliro House, The Combine, FilmNation Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 20, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 4, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $12.8M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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