Necessary Parties (1988) movie backdrop
Necessary Parties (1988) movie poster
⭐ Rating5.5/10
🎯 Verdict ABOVE AVERAGE
👍 Good
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 Bad
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
198896 minDrama, TV Movie
Audience VerdictAVERAGE

Necessary Parties

Necessary Parties Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Necessary Parties is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.5/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, TV Movie genre.

Is Necessary Parties Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Necessary Parties is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

5.54 votes
96Minutes
1988Release Year
Visual Story
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Necessary Parties Review

Last updated: January 12, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1988, Necessary Parties enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Fifteen-year-old Chris Mills isn't too happy with his divorcing parents. Under the direction of Gwen Arner, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Mark-Paul Gosselaar. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Necessary Parties offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Necessary Parties resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of early 2026, Necessary Parties is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It is also featured on platforms like Amazon Prime Video with Ads. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Necessary Parties centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Fifteen-year-old Chris Mills isn't too happy with his divorcing parents. In fact, he doesn't want them to split at all, so he hires car repair shop owner -- and former attorney -- Archie Corelli to run interference for him and put a stop to the proceedings. It's a match made in heaven because Chris and Archie both have a deep desire to see the right thing done. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1988 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Necessary Parties has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Necessary Parties sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Necessary Parties (1988): with an audience rating of 5.5/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, TV Movie cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Where to Watch Necessary Parties Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

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Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Necessary Parties has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Necessary Parties stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Necessary Parties movie hit or flop?

Necessary Parties has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Necessary Parties worth watching?

Necessary Parties is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Necessary Parties online?

Necessary Parties is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.5
Necessary Parties
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/necessary-parties-469054" 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;">★ 5.5</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Necessary Parties</div></div></a>

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More with Mark-Paul Gosselaar

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Necessary Parties movie hit or flop?

Necessary Parties has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Necessary Parties worth watching?

Necessary Parties is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Necessary Parties online?

Necessary Parties is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.

What is the story of Necessary Parties?

Necessary Parties is a Drama, TV Movie movie that follows: Fifteen-year-old Chris Mills isn't too happy with his divorcing parents. In fact, he doesn't want them to split at all, so he hires car repair shop owner -- and former attorney -- Archie Corelli to ru...

Is Necessary Parties family friendly?

Necessary Parties is classified as Drama, TV Movie. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.

What language is Necessary Parties available in?

Necessary Parties is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

Fifteen-year-old Chris Mills isn't too happy with his divorcing parents. In fact, he doesn't want them to split at all, so he hires car repair shop owner -- and former attorney -- Archie Corelli to run interference for him and put a stop to the proceedings. It's a match made in heaven because Chris and Archie both have a deep desire to see the right thing done.

Critic Reviews

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