Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- warm
- witty
- gentle
- lazy sunday
- date night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film a favorable, dialogue-driven romantic comedy elevated by the chemistry and performances of its leads.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Emma and Murphy develop a relationship while navigating divorce, widowhood, parenting, and the return of Emma's ex-husband.
The arrival of Emma's ex-husband creates the central domestic and romantic complication.
The relationship between Emma and Murphy is defined by what they say, how they say it, and what remains unspoken.
Emma attempts to establish herself and support her son by running a horse ranch in a small town.
Films like Murphy's Romance, and why
The Goodbye Girl
warm romantic comedy centered on mature adults, conversational chemistry, and complicated family relationships
Hope Floats
small-town romantic comedy balancing a new relationship with an intrusive former partner and domestic upheaval
Enough Said
gentle, character-driven romance about emotional renewal, family tension, and understated humor
Moonstruck
romantic comedy with an independent woman, a complicated past, and a grounded domestic tone
Movie Details
- Director
- Martin Ritt
- Release Date
- 1985-12-25
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (78)
Cast
- Sally Field
- James Garner
- Brian Kerwin
- Corey Haim
- Dennis Burkley
- Georgann Johnson
- Dortha Duckworth
- Michael Prokopuk
- Billy Ray Sharkey
- Michael Crabtree
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Murphy's Romance about?
- A divorced rancher and a widowed pharmacist find unexpected companionship when her returning ex-husband complicates their small-town lives.
- What is Murphy's Romance like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Murphy's Romance as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Murphy's Romance violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Murphy's Romance.
- What did critics think of Murphy's Romance?
- Critics generally found the film a favorable, dialogue-driven romantic comedy elevated by the chemistry and performances of its leads.
- Which films are like Murphy's Romance?
- Films with a similar feel include The Goodbye Girl, Hope Floats, Enough Said, and Moonstruck.
- How long is Murphy's Romance?
- Murphy's Romance runs 107 minutes.
- Where can I watch Murphy's Romance?
- In United States, Murphy's Romance streams on Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel.
