The Lobster

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2:18

The Lobster

R

2016

1h 58m

Romance

Comedy

Fantasy

Drama

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

269 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In a dystopian society, single people must find a mate within 45 days or be transformed into an animal of their choice.

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Critics Consensus

As strange as it is thrillingly ambitious, The Lobster is definitely an acquired taste -- but for viewers with the fortitude to crack through Yorgos Lanthimos' offbeat sensibilities, it should prove a savory cinematic treat.

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Jordan Hoffman

Esquire Magazine

Like all good satire, it takes what's already obvious about the world around us and just transforms it into something new.

Oct 18, 2018

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Danny Leigh

Financial Times

Part of the joy of Lanthimos's film is seeing in it any degree of subtext you like.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 27, 2016

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

This is the type of film I'm going to watch multiple times, obsessing over every choice Lanthimos and his talented team of cinematic craftsmen made in order to see it come to life.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 9, 2016

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

With more talent and a high concept at play, "The Lobster" is missing the charm to tie it all together.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 20, 2025

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Diana Tuova

Spotlight on Film

The Lobster is an uncanny and bizarre cinematic experience, and, if this is Lanthimos’s starting point, he may prove to be one of the most original directors of the twenty-first century.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 9, 2024

Full Review

JD Duran

InSession Film

He isn’t a director for everyone, but I love his style of filmmaking. The Lobster especially is one of the most unique films I’ve seen in a decade. The premise is not only bizarre, but it features some wonderful irony about the absurdity of relationships.

Aug 8, 2024

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Michael D

Movie for people who love cinema and not just the latest Marvel. The 65% audience score pretty much means you'll love it or hate it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/18/25

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Connor O.

If Wes Anderson wanted to make a top 10 film of all time this would be it. Truly original , amazing cast, truly unique plot, heartbreak and conquer. Literally a perfect film. Can’t really ask for more in the runtime of the film. Went into it without knowing anything, came out as an easy nod to be a top 5 film I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen almost everything. One part I hated involved a dog, but had swift justice, kind of similar to martyrs 2008 where half was one plot and storyline and second half completely different. Wes Anderson can literally hope to create something 1/2 the quality of this film. Easy top 5-10 movies I’ve ever seen in 30 years, especially going into it blind (no pun interned). Have no clue what the low raters saw. Wish I could watch it again tomorrow for the first time

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/15/25

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Claudie M

What is the trait that defines you: nosebleeds, liking biscuits, being short-sighted, having no emotions, a beautiful voice? And now, if being in a relationship is defined by sharing that same trait, what comes first: does sharing the trait define love, or does love define the sharing of the trait? A final “sharp” ending that hints at this second possibility. A sensational film, reductionist of our existence, and a reminder that man is one day away from becoming an animal.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/26/25

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Tracy U

With tragically funny deadpan acting, The Lobster may be the most emotionally moving film this year.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/22/25

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Peter P

awful. 0/5 stars. what a waste of time and what a pointless plot.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/22/25

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Thomas S

It made me wonder: what if the rules of love could be rewritten? The fact that it makes you ask that is already priceless.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/12/25

Full Review

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Yorgos Lanthimos

Director

Colin Farrell

David

Rachel Weisz

Short Sighted Woman

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The Lobster: Trailer 1

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The Lobster: International Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In a dystopian society, single people must find a mate within 45 days or be transformed into an animal of their choice.

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Producer: Ed Guiney, Lee Magiday, Ceci Dempsey, Yorgos Lanthimos
Screenwriter: Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthimis Filippou
Distributor: A24
Production Co: Lemming Film, Haut et Court, Element Pictures, Faliro House, Scarlet Films
Rating: R (Sexual Content|Dialogue|Some Violence)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 3, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 27, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.1M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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