Great Balls of Fire! (1989) movie backdrop
Great Balls of Fire! (1989) movie poster
1989108 minDrama, History, Music

Great Balls of Fire!

Great Balls of Fire! Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Great Balls of Fire! is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.3/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, History, Music genre.

Is Great Balls of Fire! Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Great Balls of Fire! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.3330 votes
108Minutes
1989Release Year
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Great Balls of Fire! Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1989, Great Balls of Fire! enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on The story of Jerry Lee Lewis, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the wildest musicians of the 1950s. Under the direction of Jim McBride, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder, John Doe. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Great Balls of Fire! offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Great Balls of Fire! resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, Great Balls of Fire! is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Great Balls of Fire! centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. The story of Jerry Lee Lewis, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the wildest musicians of the 1950s. His arrogance, remarkable talent, and unconventional lifestyle often brought him into conflict with others in the industry, and even earned him the scorn and condemnation of the public. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1989 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Great Balls of Fire! has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Great Balls of Fire! sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Great Balls of Fire! (1989): with an audience rating of 6.3/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, History, Music cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Great Balls of Fire! Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $17,000,000
Worldwide Gross $13,741,060
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Great Balls of Fire! Budget

The estimated production budget for Great Balls of Fire! is $17,000,000. 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.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

PG-13
Great Balls of Fire! is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Great Balls of Fire! stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Great Balls of Fire! movie hit or flop?

Great Balls of Fire! has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Great Balls of Fire! worth watching?

Great Balls of Fire! is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History, Music movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is Great Balls of Fire!?

Great Balls of Fire! is a Drama, History, Music movie that The story of Jerry Lee Lewis, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the wildest musicians of the 1950s. His arrogance, remarkable talent, and unc...

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.3
Great Balls of Fire!
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/great-balls-of-fire-11465" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Great Balls of Fire!</div></div></a>

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Great Balls of Fire! movie hit or flop?

Great Balls of Fire! has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Great Balls of Fire! worth watching?

Great Balls of Fire! is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History, Music movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is Great Balls of Fire!?

Great Balls of Fire! is a Drama, History, Music movie that The story of Jerry Lee Lewis, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the wildest musicians of the 1950s. His arrogance, remarkable talent, and unc...

Is Great Balls of Fire! family friendly?

Great Balls of Fire! is a Drama, History, Music movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.

Where can I watch Great Balls of Fire!?

You can find streaming options and availability for Great Balls of Fire! on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.

Who is the main cast of Great Balls of Fire!?

Great Balls of Fire! features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.

How long is the movie Great Balls of Fire!?

The runtime and duration of Great Balls of Fire! are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Critic Reviews

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