Why Him?

  • 2016
  • R
  • 111m
movieMx RATING
6.4/104.3K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Why Him? Review

Last updated: February 17, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 17, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Why Him? (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Why Him? features a noteworthy lineup led by Bryan Cranston . Supported by the likes of James Franco and Zoey Deutch , 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Why Him? (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Why Him? stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Why Him?

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Why Him? is a Comedy film directed by John Hamburg. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bryan Cranston.

Story Breakdown

The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. A dad forms a bitter rivalry with his daughter's young rich boyfriend. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Bryan Cranston's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.

Ending Explained: Why Him?

Ending Breakdown: Directed by John Hamburg, Why Him? concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Bryan Cranston, 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Why Him? reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Why Him??

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Bryan Cranston or the director
  • Want some laughs and light entertainment

Box Office Collection: Why Him?

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $38.0M
Worldwide Gross $118.1M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Why Him? Budget

The estimated production budget for Why Him? is $38.0M. 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.

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Top Cast: Why Him?

All Cast & Crew →
Bryan Cranston
Bryan CranstonNed Fleming
James Franco
James FrancoLaird Mayhew
Zoey Deutch
Zoey DeutchStephanie Fleming
Megan Mullally
Megan MullallyBarb Fleming
Griffin Gluck
Griffin GluckScotty Fleming
Kaley Cuoco
Kaley CuocoJustine (voice)
Zack Pearlman
Zack PearlmanKevin Dingle
Jee Young Han
Jee Young HanMarnie Dingle
Grace Hazelett
Grace HazelettVanessa Dingle
Sadie Hazelett
Sadie HazelettVanessa Dingle
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Where to Watch Why Him? Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
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YouTubeYouTube
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🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Why Him? Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Why Him? age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Why Him? is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Why Him? is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Why Him? is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Why Him?. Rating: 6.4/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Why Him? worth watching?

Why Him? is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Why Him? parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Why Him? identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Why Him??

The total duration of Why Him? is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.

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How Why Him? Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Why Him?

🛡️

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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.4
Why Him?
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