The Royal Tenenbaums

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The Royal Tenenbaums

R

2001

1h 48m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

218 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Royal Tenenbaum and his wife Etheline had three children and then they separated. All three children are extraordinary --- all geniuses. Virtually all memory of the brilliance of the young Tenenbaums was subsequently erased by two decades of betrayal, failure, and disaster. Most of this was generally considered to be their father's fault. "The Royal Tenenbaums" is the story of the family's sudden, unexpected reunion one recent winter.

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Critics Consensus

The Royal Tenenbaums is a delightful adult comedy with many quirks and a sense of poignancy. Many critics especially praised Hackman's performance.

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Joshua Rothkopf

In These Times

If it sounds bittersweet, it is, but like the best family albums, Tenenbaums is split wide with open-heartedness, and equally generous with its triumphs and failures.

Mar 16, 2020

Full Review

Jack Mathews

New York Daily News

This comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family of eccentric geniuses is exactly the kind of movie America could use. It's funny, poignant, laced with irresistibly flawed characters and focuses on the power of love in a family.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 1, 2014

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Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

The film manages to be both sarcastic and sentimental. As odd as the Tenenbaums are, the family remains bound by love.

Oct 1, 2014

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Sarah Ward

Concrete Playground

The most melancholy, poignant and deeply felt of the director's features. And, in its visuals and its performances, it's also oh-so-rich with affecting detail.

Oct 16, 2025

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Chris Klimek

Washington City Paper

In this third feature, Anderson’s much-parodied signature style of framing and performance became fully formed.

Sep 15, 2025

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JD Duran

InSession Film

The Royal Tenenbaums isn't just Wes Anderson's best film, it's one of the best films of all-time.

Rated: A+

Oct 25, 2023

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Janet D

So artsy and pretentious and slow that it was impossible to like. Which was a shame because it was actually a pretty good story.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

10/23/25

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Jace E

Wes Anderson is one of a kind. I honestly cannot think of another director with as unique and recognizable style as him. Every character is unique, the events that unfold are unexpected and I was genuinely interested the entire time. There were a few times that the scenes seemed almost out of order, but that almost added to the charm of it. Best Character: Royal Best Quote: "He saved my life, you know. Thirty years ago. I was knifed at a bazaar in Calcutta, and he carried me to the hospital on his back" - Royal Best Scene: Royal's day with his grandsons Best Piece of Score: "I Always Wanted to Be a Tenenbaum" Watch filtered on VidAngel

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/22/25

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JoParkerBear P

If you despise Wes Anderson, I can’t help you. It is my favorite of his films.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/25

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Vixo S

A family comedy with hidden emotions. The Royal Tenenbaums is an iconic film that hides powerful emotions beneath the surface of what initially feels like a quirky family comedy. Each character is dealing with deep personal struggles, and it is truly admirable how Wes Anderson manages to develop all of them without losing the balance of the story. The director’s unique aesthetic and visual style make the film instantly recognizable, but what truly makes it special is its ability to make you laugh while still feeling the weight of the characters’ emotions. It’s a wonderful film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, perfectly blending humor and heartfelt drama in a way only Anderson could achieve.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/18/25

Full Review

Corey J

I didn't like Asteroid City but I wanted to give this Wes Anderson classic a shot because so many people told me it was great. However, as it turns out, Wes has a particular style that isn't for everybody and it just isn't for me.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

08/09/25

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Olivia D

This movie has it all, everything a person could need in a film was hilariously thrown in. I will forever think about this and all the odd characters.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

Full Review

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Wes Anderson

Director

Gene Hackman

Royal Tenenbaum

Anjelica Huston

Etheline Tenenbaum

Ben Stiller

Chas Tenenbaum

Gwyneth Paltrow

Margot Tenenbaum

Luke Wilson

Richie Tenenbaum

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The Royal Tenenbaums: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Royal Tenenbaum and his wife Etheline had three children and then they separated. All three children are extraordinary --- all geniuses. Virtually all memory of the brilliance of the young Tenenbaums was subsequently erased by two decades of betrayal, failure, and disaster. Most of this was generally considered to be their father's fault. "The Royal Tenenbaums" is the story of the family's sudden, unexpected reunion one recent winter.

Director: Wes Anderson
Producer: Barry Mendel, Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin
Screenwriter: Wes Anderson, Owen Wilson
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Criterion Collection
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, American Empirical Pictures, Mordecai Films
Rating: R (Nudity|Drug Content|Sexuality|Some Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 23, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $52.4M
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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