Always
Performance & Direction: Always Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Always (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Always features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Dreyfuss . Supported by the likes of Holly Hunter and John Goodman , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Always
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1989, Always is a Romance, Fantasy, Drama film directed by Steven Spielberg. The narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Richard Dreyfuss.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. The spirit of a recently deceased expert pilot mentors a newer pilot while watching him fall in love with the girlfriend that he left behind. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Richard Dreyfuss's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Always
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Steven Spielberg, Always concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Richard Dreyfuss, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Always reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Always?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Richard Dreyfuss or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Always
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $31.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $74.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Always Budget
The estimated production budget for Always is $31.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Always
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Always Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeAlways Parents Guide & Age Rating
1989 AdvisoryWondering about Always age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Always is 122 minutes (2h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Always is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Always worth watching?
Always is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Always parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Always identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Always?
The total duration of Always is 122 minutes, which is approximately 2h 2m long.
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How Always Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Always
A genuinely delightful romance movie with a difference that will seesaw you between tears of laughter and tears of sadness. Spielberg knows how to make movies, it has to be said, and this one pushes all the right buttons.
"Always" is an engaging and absolutely splendid piece of entertainment which has been brought to the screen with tremendous visual artistry by Steven Spielberg. It unfolds in a way you might expect it to, but its ruminations on the profound themes of death and the afterlife are loaded with a powerful emotional poignancy which is never allowed to cross over into the more unappetising realms of the saccharine. It also has an appealing and positive outlook on life and death and it is really comforting to believe that death is not the end. It is not the glorious and wonderful book of life being closed for the last time, but it is merely the continuation of a journey to a well earned after life where each of us can finally rest in peace at last.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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