Mary and Max

  • 2009
  • NR
  • 92m
movieMx RATING
7.9/102.2K
VERDICT
SUPER HIT
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Performance & Direction: Mary and Max Review

Last updated: February 23, 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 23, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Mary and Max (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and Mary and Max features a noteworthy lineup led by Toni Collette . Supported by the likes of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Barry Humphries , 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 Mary and Max (2009) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.9/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Result: SUPER HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Mary and Max stands as a SUPER HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Mary and Max

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Mary and Max is a Animation, Comedy, Drama film directed by Adam Elliot. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Toni Collette.

Story Breakdown

The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A tale of friendship between two unlikely pen pals: Mary, a lonely, eight-year-old girl living in the suburbs of Melbourne, and Max, a forty-four-year old, severely obese man living in New York. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
  • Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Toni Collette, 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 climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Thematic Depth

The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
  • Strong performances, especially from Toni Collette, 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: Mary and Max

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Adam Elliot, Mary and Max resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to animation resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Toni Collette, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.

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 animation themes in a way that feels organic to the story.

The final moments of Mary and Max demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Mary and Max?

Highly Recommended For:

  • Fans of Animation cinema looking for quality storytelling
  • Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
  • Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises

Box Office Collection: Mary and Max

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $8.2M
Worldwide Gross $1.7M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Mary and Max Budget

The estimated production budget for Mary and Max is $8.2M. 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: Mary and Max

All Cast & Crew →
Toni Collette
Toni ColletteMary (voice)
Barry Humphries
Barry HumphriesNarrator (voice)
Eric Bana
Eric BanaDamien (voice)
Bethany Whitmore
Bethany WhitmoreYoung Mary (voice)
Renée Geyer
Renée GeyerVera Lorraine Dinkle (voice)
Ian 'Molly' Meldrum
Ian 'Molly' MeldrumHomeless Man (voice)
John Flaus
John FlausHarvey Krumpet / Ken / Len Hislop (voice)
Julie Forsyth
Julie ForsythBus Stop Mother / Kissing Woman (voice)
Christopher Massey
Christopher Massey911 Operator / Ambulance Voice / Derisive Observer (voice)
Oliver Marks
Oliver MarksAlleyway Bully 1 (voice)
Daisy Kocher
Daisy KocherAlleyway Bully 2 /Injury Girl /Bus Stop Girl / Katherine (voice)
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Where to Watch Mary and Max Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

HuluHulu
AMC Plus Apple TV Channel AMC Plus Apple TV Channel
AMC+ Amazon ChannelAMC+ Amazon Channel
AMC+AMC+
PhiloPhilo
Sundance NowSundance Now

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Mary and Max Parents Guide & Age Rating

2009 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

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

Mary and Max is rated NR.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Mary and Max is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.9/10, and global performance metrics, Mary and Max is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.

SUPER HIT
Official movieMx status for Mary and Max. Rating: 7.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mary and Max worth watching?

Mary and Max is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 7.9/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Mary and Max parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Mary and Max identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Mary and Max?

The total duration of Mary and Max is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.

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How Mary and Max Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Mary and Max

🛡️

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
★ 7.9
Mary and Max
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/mary-and-max-24238" 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;">★ 7.9</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Mary and Max</div></div></a>

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