Never Been Kissed
Never Been Kissed Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Never Been Kissed
| Movie | Never Been Kissed |
| Release Year | 1999 |
| Director | Raja Gosnell |
| Genre | Romance / Comedy / Drama |
| Runtime | 107 minutes (1h 47m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Never Been Kissed (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Never Been Kissed are led by Drew Barrymore . The supporting cast, including David Arquette and Molly Shannon , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Never Been Kissed does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Romance films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Never Been Kissed has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Romance fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Never Been Kissed
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1999, Never Been Kissed is a Romance, Comedy, Drama film directed by Raja Gosnell, written by Abby Kohn. The narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Drew Barrymore as Josie Geller.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Josie Geller, a baby-faced junior copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times, must pose as a student at her former high school to research contemporary teenage culture. With the help of her brother, Rob, Josie infiltrates the inner circle of the most popular clique on campus. But she hits a major snag in her investigation -- not to mention her own failed love life -- when she falls for her dreamy English teacher, Sam Coulson. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Never Been Kissed establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Raja Gosnell introducing Drew Barrymore as Josie Geller in the opening act, and over its 107-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Drew Barrymore's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Drew Barrymore's arc reaching resolution. Raja Gosnell's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Ending Explained: Never Been Kissed
Never Been Kissed Ending Explained: Directed by Raja Gosnell, Never Been Kissed wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core romance themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Drew Barrymore. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the romance themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Never Been Kissed reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Never Been Kissed?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Drew Barrymore or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Never Been Kissed
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $84.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Never Been Kissed Budget
The estimated production budget for Never Been Kissed is $25.0M. 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.
Where to Watch Never Been Kissed Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeNever Been Kissed Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about Never Been Kissed age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Never Been Kissed (1999) is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Directed by Raja Gosnell, the film runs for 107 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Never Been Kissed is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Never Been Kissed worth watching?
Never Been Kissed is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Never Been Kissed parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Never Been Kissed identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Never Been Kissed (1999)?
The runtime of Never Been Kissed (1999) is 107 minutes (approximately 1h 47m).
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.
