Less Than Zero
Performance & Direction: Less Than Zero Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Less Than Zero (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. 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 Less Than Zero features a noteworthy lineup led by Andrew McCarthy . Supported by the likes of Jami Gertz and Robert Downey Jr. , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Less Than Zero
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Less Than Zero is a Drama, Crime film directed by Marek Kanievska. 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 Andrew McCarthy.
Ending Explained: Less Than Zero
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Marek Kanievska, Less Than Zero concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Andrew McCarthy, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Less Than Zero reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Less Than Zero Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Less Than Zero incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film directed by Marek Kanievska, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Andrew McCarthy's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Less Than Zero adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Less Than Zero?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Andrew McCarthy or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Less Than Zero
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $8.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Less Than Zero Budget
The estimated production budget for Less Than Zero is $8.0M. 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: Less Than Zero
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Less Than Zero Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoLess Than Zero Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Less Than Zero age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Less Than Zero is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Less Than Zero is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Less Than Zero worth watching?
Less Than Zero is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Less Than Zero parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Less Than Zero identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Less Than Zero?
The total duration of Less Than Zero is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
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Critic Reviews for Less Than Zero
RELEASED IN 1987 and directed by Marek Kanievska, "Less than Zero" is a drama about a trio of rich 18 year-olds from Los Angeles. After graduation, one goes off to college (Andrew McCarthy), but returns for Christmas break wherein he finds his ex-girlfriend (Jami Gertz) and, especially, his buddy (Robert Downey Jr.) struggling with drug addiction in the Beverly Hills fast lane. James Spader plays a smug high society dealer. This is the furthest thing from typical 80’s youth flicks, like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “The Karate Kid,” “Valley Girl,” “Footloose” and “Can’t Buy Me Love” (where there’s, admittedly, a lot of range). “Less than Zero” has the epic, artsy style of Francis Ford Coppola films like “The Outsiders” and “Rumble Fish” (both from 1983) meshed with the chic melancholy of “Poison Ivy” (1992). My main issue is that it takes too long to get absorbed into the characters and their story. The filmmaking is gorgeous, however, which is ironic because this is a really downbeat movie. Gertz is fine, but she never did anything for me, while McCarthy is serviceable as the main protagonist, yet rather bland in a goody-goody way. Both Downey Jr. and Spader, however, de-shine in their roles (in a good way). If you favor arty, glum movies you might like this better than me, but it’s nowhere near as effective as “Poison Ivy,” a similar artsy, gloomy flick. The movie runs 1 hour 38 minutes and was shot in the Los Angeles area, including Malibu. WRITERS: Bret Easton Ellis (novel) and Harley Peyton (screenplay) GRADE: C+
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.
