Is That Thing You Do! Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, That Thing You Do! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

Verdict:That Thing You Do! is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.9/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music genre.
Answer: Yes, That Thing You Do! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1996, That Thing You Do! enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on A Pennsylvania band scores a hit in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as it can, with lots of help from its manager. Under the direction of Tom Hanks, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Tom Hanks, Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, That Thing You Do! 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.
Beyond the narrative, That Thing You Do! resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, That Thing You Do! 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.
The plot of That Thing You Do! centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. A Pennsylvania band scores a hit in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as it can, with lots of help from its manager. But behind the scenes, the group’s sudden fame tests their strength, their maturity and responsibility, and their ability to resist the temptations that money and notoriety always make possible. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1996 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of That Thing You Do! 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 That Thing You Do! sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for That Thing You Do! (1996): with an audience rating of 6.9/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $26,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $34,585,416 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The estimated production budget for That Thing You Do! is $26,000,000. 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.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, That Thing You Do! stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
That Thing You Do! has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
That Thing You Do! is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
That Thing You Do! is a Comedy, Drama, Romance movie that A Pennsylvania band scores a hit in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as it can, with lots of help from its manager. But behind the sce...
That Thing You Do! has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
That Thing You Do! is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
That Thing You Do! is a Comedy, Drama, Romance movie that A Pennsylvania band scores a hit in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as it can, with lots of help from its manager. But behind the sce...
Yes, That Thing You Do! is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Comedy, Drama, Romance genre.
You can find streaming options and availability for That Thing You Do! on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
That Thing You Do! features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of That Thing You Do! are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
**Tom Hanks gave life and affection to this project, which easily reminds us of the golden years of rock-and-roll.** The film is a very nice story that revolves around the world of ephemeral "rock and roll" stars. In 1964, a group of youngsters from Pennsylvania suddenly emerge from obscurity when their garage band, the Wonders, achieve fame and success on the back of a single song, "That Thing You Do". Believing in a potential that might not exist, the scouts of the music world waste no time and the boys get a contract with a major label, which is waiting expectantly for equally good songs. However, sudden fame will test the strength of the group, the maturity and responsibility of that guys and their ability to resist the temptations that money and notoriety always make possible. Tom Hanks is more than a protagonist, he is the engine that pulls the film and makes it possible. He had achieved fame at the expense of good comedies like “Big” or “Money Pit”, but he had his consecration in films like “Sleepless in Seattle”, “Philadelphia”, “Forrest Gump” and “Apollo 13”. In addition, he already had two Oscars on his shelf, so he had the means to leverage a project he liked, and there is no doubt that he liked this one, and it was the lever that made it go forward. And contrary to what often happens in these situations, he didn't want the lead role: it's in a reasonably more modest role that we see him, a role where he doesn't fail to stand out. The main role is assured by the band's boys, played by Tom Everett Scott, Johnatton Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry and Giovanni Ribisi. All quite young, still at the beginning of their respective careers, all capable of relatively slick and honest work, especially Scott, who is given a little more visibility. We also have to highlight the pleasant participation of Liv Tyler and Charlize Theron. The film is quite light, lively and cheerful, even in the most tense moments, and in which it takes paths that could make it denser, more dramatic and profound, which it always avoids. That was a conscious choice, I'm sure, and that's debatable. Where the film stands out is in its attention to historical details, in the care with which it seeks to recreate the era and environments through the choice of suitable props, good costumes and make-up, as well as a set of excellent sets. And being such a musical film, the soundtrack is unavoidable and vibrant, with songs that stay in the ear and where the main melody, created especially for the film emulating the aesthetics and taste of the time, deserves a very special highlight.