Hidden Figures

  • 2016
  • PG
  • 127m
movieMx RATING
8.0/1010.3K
VERDICT
SUPER HIT
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Performance & Direction: Hidden Figures Review

Last updated: February 15, 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 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Hidden Figures (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hidden Figures features a noteworthy lineup led by Taraji P. Henson . Supported by the likes of Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe , 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Hidden Figures (2016) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 8.0/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Result: SUPER HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Hidden Figures stands as a SUPER HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Hidden Figures

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Hidden Figures is a Drama, History film directed by Theodore Melfi. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Taraji P. Henson.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – brilliant African-American women working at NASA and serving as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big. The screenplay takes time to develop Taraji P. Henson's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, 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 emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Thematic Depth

The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
  • Strong performances, especially from Taraji P. Henson, 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: Hidden Figures

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Theodore Melfi, Hidden Figures brings together its narrative threads in a way that feels both earned and emotionally resonant. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Taraji P. Henson, 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 drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.

The final moments of Hidden Figures demonstrate careful narrative planning, resulting in a conclusion that enhances the overall experience.

Hidden Figures Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Hidden Figures draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film directed by Theodore Melfi, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Taraji P. Henson's character.

Historical Context

The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.

Accuracy Assessment: Hidden Figures successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Hidden Figures?

Highly Recommended For:

  • Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
  • Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
  • Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises

Box Office Collection: Hidden Figures

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $25.0M
Worldwide Gross $236.0M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Hidden Figures Budget

The estimated production budget for Hidden Figures is $25.0M. 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: Hidden Figures

All Cast & Crew →
Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. HensonKatherine G. Johnson
Octavia Spencer
Octavia SpencerDorothy Vaughan
Janelle Monáe
Janelle MonáeMary Jackson
Kevin Costner
Kevin CostnerAl Harrison
Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten DunstVivian Mitchell
Jim Parsons
Jim ParsonsPaul Stafford
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala AliJim Johnson
Glen Powell
Glen PowellJohn Glenn
Ariana Neal
Ariana NealJoylette Johnson
Saniyya Sidney
Saniyya SidneyConstance Johnson
Zani Jones Mbayise
Zani Jones MbayiseKathy Johnson
Donna Biscoe
Donna BiscoeJoylette Coleman
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Where to Watch Hidden Figures Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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VI movies and tvVI movies and tv

🎟️ Rent on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
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🏷️ Buy on

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Hidden Figures Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

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

Hidden Figures is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Hidden Figures is 127 minutes (2h 7m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, Hidden Figures is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

SUPER HIT
Official movieMx status for Hidden Figures. Rating: 8.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hidden Figures worth watching?

Hidden Figures is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Hidden Figures parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Hidden Figures identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Hidden Figures?

The total duration of Hidden Figures is 127 minutes, which is approximately 2h 7m long.

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How Hidden Figures Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Hidden Figures

🛡️

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
★ 8.0
Hidden Figures
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