Is Mama Boy Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Mama Boy is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Mama Boy Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2022, Mama Boy enters the Romance genre with a narrative focused on Xiao Hong is a shy 29-year-old man who works in an aquarium fish store and lets his overprotective mother boss him around in all aspects of his life. Under the direction of Arvin Chen, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Kai Ko, Vivian Hsu, Sara Yu. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Mama Boy offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Mama Boy is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 5.2/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Romance, Drama, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of Mama Boy
- Kai Ko – Xiao Hong
- Vivian Hsu – LeLe
- Sara Yu – Mei Ling
- Fandy Fan – Wei Jie
- Chu Lu-hao – Lao Wu
Top Highlights
Kai KoXiao Hong
Vivian HsuLeLe
Sara YuMei Ling
Fandy FanWei Jie
Chu Lu-haoLao Wu
Phil HouWen Hao
Joanne MissinghamGirl in Aquarium
Debbie YaoThe Bar Owner Mei Xiu
Sharon KwanKiki
Ruby LinApple
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, Mama Boy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2022 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mama Boy movie hit or flop?
Mama Boy has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Mama Boy worth watching?
Mama Boy is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Mama Boy?
Mama Boy is a Romance, Drama movie that Xiao Hong is a shy 29-year-old man who works in an aquarium fish store and lets his overprotective mother boss him around in all aspects of his life. ...
