Rat Race
Performance & Direction: Rat Race Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Rat Race (2001) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Rat Race features a noteworthy lineup led by Gloria Allred . Supported by the likes of Breckin Meyer and Cuba Gooding Jr. , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Rat Race
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2001, Rat Race is a Adventure, Comedy film directed by Jerry Zucker. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Gloria Allred.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. In an ensemble film about easy money, greed, manipulation and bad driving, a Las Vegas casino tycoon entertains his wealthiest high rollers -- a group that will bet on anything -- by pitting six ordinary people against each other in a wild dash for $2 million jammed into a locker hundreds of miles away. The tycoon and his wealthy friends monitor each racer's every move to keep track of their favorites. The only rule in this race is that there are no rules. 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 main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Gloria Allred's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Rat Race
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jerry Zucker, Rat Race concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Gloria Allred, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Rat Race reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Rat Race?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Gloria Allred or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Rat Race
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $48.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $85.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Rat Race Budget
The estimated production budget for Rat Race is $48.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Rat Race
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Where to Watch Rat Race Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoRat Race Parents Guide & Age Rating
2001 AdvisoryWondering about Rat Race age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Rat Race is 112 minutes (1h 52m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Rat Race is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2001 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rat Race worth watching?
Rat Race is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Rat Race parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Rat Race identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Rat Race?
The total duration of Rat Race is 112 minutes, which is approximately 1h 52m long.
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Critic Reviews for Rat Race
Given the ensemble talent involved, and the director, this should've been so much better. I did manage to laugh a few times here and there but otherwise never quite worked. **2.75/5**
Very funny and interesting. There waiting for grand dad to kick the bucket. Before he dies he sets up a quest for them to have a race. He gives them clues and they have to be the first person to figure it out and get to him first. Whoever is the first on wins his estate. It's a race, it's a race!
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.
