Is sex, lies, and videotape Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, sex, lies, and videotape is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 101 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
sex, lies, and videotape Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1989, sex, lies, and videotape enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Ann, a frustrated wife, enters into counseling due to a troubled marriage. Under the direction of Steven Soderbergh, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from James Spader, Andie MacDowell, Peter Gallagher. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, sex, lies, and videotape 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, sex, lies, and videotape 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 January 2026, sex, lies, and videotape is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of sex, lies, and videotape centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Ann, a frustrated wife, enters into counseling due to a troubled marriage. Unbeknownst to her, her husband John has begun an affair with her sister. When John’s best friend Graham arrives, his penchant for interviewing women about their sex lives forever changes John and Ann’s rocky marriage. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1989 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of sex, lies, and videotape 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 sex, lies, and videotape sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for sex, lies, and videotape (1989): with an audience rating of 6.9/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
sex, lies, and videotape Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1,200,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $24,741,667 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
sex, lies, and videotape Budget
The estimated production budget for sex, lies, and videotape is $1,200,000. 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.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
sex, lies, and videotape is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, sex, lies, and videotape stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sex, lies, and videotape movie hit or flop?
sex, lies, and videotape has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is sex, lies, and videotape worth watching?
sex, lies, and videotape is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is sex, lies, and videotape?
sex, lies, and videotape is a Drama movie that Ann, a frustrated wife, enters into counseling due to a troubled marriage. Unbeknownst to her, her husband John has begun an affair with her sister. W...
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is sex, lies, and videotape movie hit or flop?
sex, lies, and videotape has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is sex, lies, and videotape worth watching?
sex, lies, and videotape is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is sex, lies, and videotape?
sex, lies, and videotape is a Drama movie that Ann, a frustrated wife, enters into counseling due to a troubled marriage. Unbeknownst to her, her husband John has begun an affair with her sister. W...
Is sex, lies, and videotape family friendly?
sex, lies, and videotape is a Drama movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch sex, lies, and videotape?
You can find streaming options and availability for sex, lies, and videotape on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of sex, lies, and videotape?
sex, lies, and videotape features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie sex, lies, and videotape?
The runtime and duration of sex, lies, and videotape are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
This is about the most nonsexual movie I have ever seen with the word sex in the title. This is worse than a watered down romance novel. The story was very boring and uninspired. I personally find all the actors/actresses unattractive and there is no chemistry. On top of this being a flat film, it contains absolutely no nudity. This would be fine for the majority of movies but with a name like Sex, Lies and Videotape, one would expect at least brief nudity. Anyways, complete waste of time.
If in doubt, see a therapist! Well that's what the ostensibly happy "Ann" (Andi MacDowell) does whilst married to aspiring lawyer "John" (Peter Gallagher). This woman stresses about just about everything, and this singularly futile behaviour is having quite an impact on her sex-life and therefore her marriage. "John" isn't the most loyal of men, so switches allegiance to her willing barmaid sister "Cynthia" (Laura San Giacomo) and then just to add a bit more complexity, "John" meets up with old friend "Graham" (James Spader) who brings a candour to the scenario that's actually quite funny in it's potent honesty. You get a clue as to the route it's now going to take from the title and at times it's remarkably poignant as it deals quite entertainingly, if on an almost entirely sex-free basis, with what people obsess about and how in some cases the obsessing about the obsession becomes a sort of raison d'être as the problems entrench and lives get well and truly stuck. The pithy dialogue has a reality to it that though occasionally a little contrived, does make you think when you stand in front of the mirror that maybe some of the attitudes and belligerences could apply to some degree in many of our lives as we tend to overthink. It's maybe Spader's best role - his character is understated and surprisingly effective as this admittedly rather ploddingly paced look at morals and mores builds up. MacDowell isn't the best, she sort of fluffs her way through the story but the other two principals and Rob Vawter's analyst keep it all quite watchable for an hour and ah half.