Is The Man Who Wasn't There Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Man Who Wasn't There is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 111 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Man Who Wasn't There Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1983, The Man Who Wasn't There enters the Action genre with a narrative focused on When he accidentally takes possession of a top-secret invisibility potion while en route to his wedding, government bureaucrat Sam Cooper finds himself engulfed in a madcap free-for-all as Russians and other bad guys try to get the substance. Under the direction of Bruce Malmuth, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Steve Guttenberg, Lisa Langlois, Jeffrey Tambor. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Man Who Wasn't There offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Man Who Wasn't There is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 4.1/10, the reception has been negative. For fans of Action, Comedy, Science Fiction, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
The Man Who Wasn't There Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6,500,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $2,443,487 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Man Who Wasn't There Budget
The estimated production budget for The Man Who Wasn't There is $6,500,000. 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.
Cast of The Man Who Wasn't There
- Steve Guttenberg – Sam Cooper
- Lisa Langlois – Cindy Worth
- Jeffrey Tambor – Boris Potemkin
- Art Hindle – Ted Durand
- Morgan Hart – Amanda / Ten Duyck
Top Highlights
Steve GuttenbergSam Cooper
Lisa LangloisCindy Worth
Jeffrey TamborBoris Potemkin
Art HindleTed Durand
Morgan HartAmanda / Ten Duyck
Bruce MalmuthFireplug Crusher
Ivan NaranjoChief Crusher
Harold AyerOld Ouside Attendant
Vincent BaggettaRiley
Michelle BauerNymphet
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Man Who Wasn't There stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1983 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Man Who Wasn't There movie hit or flop?
The Man Who Wasn't There is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.1/10 and lower collections.
Is The Man Who Wasn't There worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.1/10, The Man Who Wasn't There may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is The Man Who Wasn't There?
The Man Who Wasn't There is a Action, Comedy, Science Fiction movie that When he accidentally takes possession of a top-secret invisibility potion while en route to his wedding, government bureaucrat Sam Cooper finds himsel...
