Ishtar

  • 1987
  • PG-13
  • 107m
movieMx RATING
4.5/10161
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Ishtar Review

Last updated: February 18, 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 18, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Ishtar (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.5/10. 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 Ishtar features a noteworthy lineup led by Warren Beatty . Supported by the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Isabelle Adjani , 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 Ishtar (1987) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.5/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Ishtar stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Ishtar

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Ishtar is a Comedy, Adventure film directed by Elaine May. 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 Warren Beatty.

Ending Explained: Ishtar

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Elaine May, Ishtar attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Warren Beatty, 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 Ishtar reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Ishtar?

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: Ishtar

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $51.0M
Worldwide Gross $14.4M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Ishtar Budget

The estimated production budget for Ishtar is $51.0M. 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: Ishtar

All Cast & Crew →
Warren Beatty
Warren BeattyLyle Rogers
Dustin Hoffman
Dustin HoffmanChuck Clarke
Isabelle Adjani
Isabelle AdjaniShirra Assel
Charles Grodin
Charles GrodinJim Harrison
Jack Weston
Jack WestonMarty Freed
Aharon Ipalé
Aharon IpaléEmir Yousef
David Margulies
David MarguliesMr. Clarke
Rose Arrick
Rose ArrickMrs. Clarke
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Where to Watch Ishtar Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store

Ishtar Parents Guide & Age Rating

1987 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

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

Ishtar is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Ishtar is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.5/10, and global performance metrics, Ishtar is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Ishtar. Rating: 4.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ishtar worth watching?

Ishtar is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 4.5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Ishtar parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Ishtar identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Ishtar?

The total duration of Ishtar is 107 minutes, which is approximately 1h 47m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Ishtar

How Ishtar Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Ishtar

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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
★ 4.5
Ishtar
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/ishtar-12704" 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;">★ 4.5</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Ishtar</div></div></a>

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