There's Something About Mary
There's Something About Mary Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: There's Something About Mary
| Movie | There's Something About Mary |
| Release Year | 1998 |
| Director | Bobby Farrelly |
| Genre | Romance / Comedy |
| Runtime | 120 minutes (2h 0m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is There's Something About Mary (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in There's Something About Mary are led by Cameron Diaz . The supporting cast, including Matt Dillon and Ben Stiller , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
There's Something About Mary stands out as a strong entry in the Romance genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Romance narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, There's Something About Mary 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 Romance fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: There's Something About Mary
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, There's Something About Mary is a Romance, Comedy film directed by Bobby Farrelly, written by Ed Decter. The narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Cameron Diaz as Mary Jensen.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. For Ted, prom night went about as bad as it’s possible for any night to go. Thirteen years later, he finally gets another chance with his old prom date, only to run up against other suitors including the sleazy detective he hired to find her. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: There's Something About Mary establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Bobby Farrelly introducing Cameron Diaz as Mary Jensen in the opening act, and across its 2h 0m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Cameron Diaz's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Cameron Diaz's arc reaching resolution. Bobby Farrelly's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: There's Something About Mary
There's Something About Mary Ending Explained: Directed by Bobby Farrelly, There's Something About Mary wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core romance themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Cameron Diaz. 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 romance themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of There's Something About Mary reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch There's Something About Mary?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Cameron Diaz or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: There's Something About Mary
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $23.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $369.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
There's Something About Mary Budget
The estimated production budget for There's Something About Mary is $23.0M. 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 There's Something About Mary Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeThere's Something About Mary Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about There's Something About Mary age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of There's Something About Mary (1998) is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Directed by Bobby Farrelly, the film runs for 120 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, There's Something About Mary is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There's Something About Mary worth watching?
There's Something About Mary is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find There's Something About Mary parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for There's Something About Mary identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of There's Something About Mary (1998)?
The runtime of There's Something About Mary (1998) is 120 minutes (approximately 2h 0m).
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.
