Best Friends
Best Friends Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Best Friends
| Movie | Best Friends |
| Release Year | 1982 |
| Director | Norman Jewison |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 116 minutes (1h 56m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Best Friends (1982) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Best Friends are led by Burt Reynolds . The supporting cast, including Goldie Hawn and Jessica Tandy , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Best Friends does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Best Friends has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Best Friends
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, Best Friends is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Norman Jewison, written by Barry Levinson. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Burt Reynolds as Richard Babson.
Ending Explained: Best Friends
Best Friends Ending Explained: When a professional couple, who have lived and worked together for many years, finally decide to marry, their sudden betrothal causes many unexpected difficulties. Directed by Norman Jewison, this 1982 comedy film stars Burt Reynolds (Richard Babson), alongside Goldie Hawn as Paula McCullen, Jessica Tandy as Eleanor McCullen, Barnard Hughes as Tim McCullen. Rated 5.2/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Best Friends?
When a professional couple, who have lived and worked together for many years, finally decide to marry, their sudden betrothal causes many unexpected difficulties. They soon find that being married is often quite different from being "best friends."
Norman Jewison's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Burt Reynolds (Richard Babson)'s journey. They soon find that being married is often quite different from being "best friends.
How Does Burt Reynolds (Richard Babson)'s Story End?
- Burt Reynolds: Burt Reynolds's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Goldie Hawn (Paula McCullen): Goldie Hawn's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jessica Tandy (Eleanor McCullen): Jessica Tandy's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Best Friends Mean?
The ending of Best Friends brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Burt Reynolds's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Best Friends Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Best Friends Based on a True Story?
No, Best Friends is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Norman Jewison and starring Burt Reynolds may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Best Friends?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Best Friends
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $36.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Best Friends Budget
The estimated production budget for Best Friends is $15.0M. 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.
Where to Watch Best Friends Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeBest Friends Parents Guide & Age Rating
1982 AdvisoryWondering about Best Friends age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Best Friends (1982) is 116 minutes (1h 56m). Directed by Norman Jewison, the film runs for 116 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.2/10, and global performance metrics, Best Friends is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Best Friends worth watching?
Best Friends is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.2/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Best Friends parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Best Friends identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Best Friends (1982)?
The runtime of Best Friends (1982) is 116 minutes (approximately 1h 56m).
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.
