Best Friends

  • 1982
  • PG
  • 116m
movieMx RATING
5.1/1053
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Best Friends Review

Last updated: February 20, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 20, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 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 5.1/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Best Friends features a noteworthy lineup led by Burt Reynolds . Supported by the likes of Goldie Hawn and Jessica Tandy , 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Best Friends (1982) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.1/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Best Friends stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Best Friends

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, Best Friends is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Norman Jewison. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Burt Reynolds.

Ending Explained: Best Friends

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Norman Jewison, Best Friends attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Burt Reynolds, 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Best Friends reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Best Friends?

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 / RegionCollection (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.

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Top Cast: Best Friends

All Cast & Crew →
Burt Reynolds
Burt ReynoldsRichard Babson
Goldie Hawn
Goldie HawnPaula McCullen
Jessica Tandy
Jessica TandyEleanor McCullen
Barnard Hughes
Barnard HughesTim McCullen
Audra Lindley
Audra LindleyAnn Babson
Keenan Wynn
Keenan WynnTom Babson
Ron Silver
Ron SilverLarry Weisman
Richard Libertini
Richard LibertiniJorge Medina
Peggy Walton-Walker
Peggy Walton-WalkerCarol Brandon
Noah Hathaway
Noah HathawayLyle Ballou
Mikey Martin
Mikey MartinRobbie Ballou
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Where to Watch Best Friends Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Best Friends Parents Guide & Age Rating

1982 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Best Friends age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Best Friends is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Best Friends is 116 minutes (1h 56m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.1/10, and global performance metrics, Best Friends is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Best Friends. Rating: 5.1/10

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 5.1/10 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 total runtime of Best Friends?

The total duration of Best Friends is 116 minutes, which is approximately 1h 56m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Best Friends

How Best Friends Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Best Friends

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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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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.1
Best Friends
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