Nine Lives
Nine Lives Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Movie Overview: Nine Lives
| Movie | Nine Lives |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Director | Barry Sonnenfeld |
| Genre | Fantasy / Comedy / Family |
| Runtime | 87 minutes (1h 27m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Nine Lives (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Nine Lives are led by Kevin Spacey . The supporting cast, including Jennifer Garner and Robbie Amell , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Nine Lives does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Fantasy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Nine Lives 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 Fantasy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Nine Lives
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Nine Lives is a Fantasy, Comedy, Family film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, written by Daniel Antoniazzi. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kevin Spacey as Tom Brand.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A stuffy businessman finds himself trapped inside the body of his family's cat. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Nine Lives establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Barry Sonnenfeld introducing Kevin Spacey as Tom Brand in the opening act, and in a brisk 87-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Kevin Spacey's arc reaching resolution. Barry Sonnenfeld's handling of the finale falls somewhat short of expectations.
Ending Explained: Nine Lives
Nine Lives Ending Explained: Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Nine Lives attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core fantasy themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Kevin Spacey. 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 fantasy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Nine Lives reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Nine Lives?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Fantasy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 87 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Box Office Collection: Nine Lives
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $57.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Nine Lives Budget
The estimated production budget for Nine Lives is $30.0M. 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 Nine Lives Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoNine Lives Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about Nine Lives age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Nine Lives (2016) is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film runs for 87 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Nine Lives is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nine Lives worth watching?
Nine Lives is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Nine Lives parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Nine Lives identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Nine Lives (2016)?
The runtime of Nine Lives (2016) is 87 minutes (approximately 1h 27m).
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.
