Anastasia
Performance & Direction: Anastasia Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Anastasia (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and Anastasia features a noteworthy lineup led by Meg Ryan . Supported by the likes of John Cusack and Kelsey Grammer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Anastasia
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, Anastasia is a Animation, Family, Fantasy, Adventure film directed by Gary Goldman. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Meg Ryan.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Ten years after she was separated from her family, an eighteen-year-old orphan with vague memories of the past sets out to Paris in hopes of reuniting with her grandmother. She is accompanied by two con men, who intend to pass her off as the Grand Duchess Anastasia to the Dowager Empress for a reward. 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 protagonist, portrayed by Meg Ryan, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances, especially from Meg Ryan, that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Ending Explained: Anastasia
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gary Goldman, Anastasia resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to animation resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Meg Ryan, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Anastasia demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Anastasia?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Animation cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Anastasia
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $53.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $139.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Anastasia Budget
The estimated production budget for Anastasia is $53.0M. 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: Anastasia
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Where to Watch Anastasia Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeAnastasia Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about Anastasia age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Anastasia is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.6/10, and global performance metrics, Anastasia is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anastasia worth watching?
Anastasia is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 7.6/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Anastasia parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Anastasia identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Anastasia?
The total duration of Anastasia is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.
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Critic Reviews for Anastasia
This adaptation is quite similar to the Brynner/Bergman telling of this story from 1956 - only this one features one of Disney's better baddies to liven it up and inject a bit of nasty menace to the proceedings. When Rasputin is cast aside by the Russian Imperial family, he brings down a curse on their heads that results in revolution, murder and mayhem. Shortly afterwards, a young girl is walking past a boarded-up palace one chilly evening and she breaks in. That's when she encounters the sheltering young "Dimitri" and his cohort "Vladimir". The former man takes a bit of a shine to the young girl, and after a few glances at some of the portraiture adorning the walls, concludes that she could be the eponymous Grand Duchess and their ticket to riches in Paris. She's not as willing at the con artistry as they are, but is hungry and cold and desperate so accompanies them to France where an intense course of training, a convenient friendship with "Sophie" and some perseverance sees her in the presence of her would-be grandmother, the Dowager Empress. Will the old and somewhat sceptical lady be convinced...?Meantime, the spectre of their erstwhile spiritual advisor is aware that she is perhaps on the cusp of restoring the Romanov fortunes, and so conjures up all of his dastardly might to ensure that the demise of the family is complete. Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens provide a modestly powerful score but the lavish look of the film, some colourful visual effects (mindful of "Sleeping Beauty" from 1959) and a solid script deliver an entertaining story of just how powerful love can be - even when faced with the lure of an enormous diamond tiara.
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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