Forrest Gump
Performance & Direction: Forrest Gump Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Forrest Gump (1994) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.5/10. 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 Forrest Gump features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Hanks . Supported by the likes of Robin Wright and Gary Sinise , 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: Forrest Gump
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1994, Forrest Gump is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film directed by Robert Zemeckis. 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 Tom Hanks.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events—in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. But despite all he has achieved, his one true love eludes him. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Tom Hanks, 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 comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
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 Tom Hanks, 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: Forrest Gump
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Forrest Gump brings together its narrative threads in a way that feels both earned and emotionally resonant. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Tom Hanks, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, leaving audiences satisfied.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Forrest Gump demonstrate careful narrative planning, resulting in a conclusion that enhances the overall experience.
Who Should Watch Forrest Gump?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Comedy cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate smart humor and well-timed comedic performances
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Forrest Gump
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $55.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $677.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Forrest Gump Budget
The estimated production budget for Forrest Gump is $55.0M. 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: Forrest Gump
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Forrest Gump Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
JioHotstar
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeForrest Gump Parents Guide & Age Rating
1994 AdvisoryWondering about Forrest Gump age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Forrest Gump is 142 minutes (2h 22m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.5/10, and global performance metrics, Forrest Gump is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1994 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forrest Gump worth watching?
Forrest Gump is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 8.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Forrest Gump parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Forrest Gump identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Forrest Gump?
The total duration of Forrest Gump is 142 minutes, which is approximately 2h 22m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Forrest Gump
How Forrest Gump Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Forrest Gump
Best movie ever.
This is the best movie ever!
"Forrest" (Tom Hanks) isn't the sharpest tool in the box, but he has an heart of gold and an unparalleled sense of human decency. These laudable characteristics are the result of an upbringing by his mother (Sally Field) which has seen him grow from the bullied young boy from Alabama who discovers that he can run a little faster than your average bear, to a sort of national hero. We learn all this from him as he sits at a bus stop chatting to an initially disinterested nurse, and then to a collection of fellow travellers who learn of his drafting to Vietnam. That's where he meets "Lt. Dan" (Gary Sinese) and his new best friend "Bubba" (Mykelti Williamson) and where his innate sense of what's right saves lives and earns him the plaudits of a grateful nation (and gets his butt-ox on television too!). His army days taught him much, but nothing so useful as a skill at table tennis. Soon on the American ping-pong squad in China, he manages to get an endorsement that allows him to reunite with the hippified, now paraplegic and disillusioned "Lt. Dan" and make a mint shrimp fishing, before returning home to face some fairly predicable family trauma. All of this has been happening against a story of a longing for his one true love. "Jenny" (Robin Wright). They've been friends since childhood, but she has a wandering spirit and though his love was requited, it wasn't what he needed. Might there be a future for them, ever? Robert Zemeckis uses a chronology of events in the USA, starting in the 1950s, to create a template for the story of a man who lived through racial tension, war, bullying and emerged the stronger; the more honourable and despite his low IQ was quite capable of putting those more intellectual around him to shame. The photography that cleverly superimposes him into television broadcasts works entertainingly as he gazes bemusedly out onto a audience that is increasingly warming to him. I will admit, I struggled a bit with the running segment towards the end, but Hanks epitomises determination and integrity with Eric Roth's adaptation of the Groom novel allowing plenty of philosophical food for thought whilst having a laugh at scenarios both serious and ridiculous. Like life itself, this film is like a box of chocolates and though I didn't love them all, there were plenty to enjoy and reflect upon.
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.
