Lean On Me

  • 1989
  • PG-13
  • 108m
movieMx RATING
7.3/10334
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Lean On Me Review

Last updated: February 16, 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 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Lean On Me (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. 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 Lean On Me features a noteworthy lineup led by Morgan Freeman . Supported by the likes of Beverly Todd and Robert Guillaume , 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 Lean On Me (1989) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Lean On Me stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Lean On Me

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1989, Lean On Me is a Drama film directed by John G. Avildsen. 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 Morgan Freeman.

Ending Explained: Lean On Me

Ending Breakdown: Directed by John G. Avildsen, Lean On Me resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Morgan Freeman, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

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

Who Should Watch Lean On Me?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Morgan Freeman or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Lean On Me

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $10.0M
Worldwide Gross $31.9M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Lean On Me Budget

The estimated production budget for Lean On Me is $10.0M. 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: Lean On Me

All Cast & Crew →
Morgan Freeman
Morgan FreemanPrincipal Joe Clark
Beverly Todd
Beverly ToddMs. Levias
Robert Guillaume
Robert GuillaumeDr. Frank Napier
Ethan Phillips
Ethan PhillipsMr. Rosenberg
Lynne Thigpen
Lynne ThigpenLeonna Barrett
Michael Beach
Michael BeachMr. Darnell
Tony Todd
Tony ToddMr. William Wright
Karen Malina White
Karen Malina WhiteKaneesha Carter
Alan North
Alan NorthMayor Don Bottman
Robin Bartlett
Robin BartlettMrs. Elliott
Sloane Shelton
Sloane SheltonMrs. Hamilton
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Where to Watch Lean On Me Online?

Streaming Hub

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Lean On Me Parents Guide & Age Rating

1989 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

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

Lean On Me is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Lean On Me is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Lean On Me is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Lean On Me. Rating: 7.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lean On Me worth watching?

Lean On Me is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Lean On Me parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of Lean On Me?

The total duration of Lean On Me is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.

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How Lean On Me Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Lean On Me

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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
★ 7.3
Lean On Me
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