Overview
A heartfelt journey of laughter and friendship as two comedy legends take their final bow.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- nostalgic
- lazy sunday
- classic cinema night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an affectionate, moving backstage tribute elevated by convincing performances from Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story centers on Laurel and Hardy’s farewell tour after their golden era has passed, with earlier career material used for contrast.
Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly reproduce Laurel and Hardy’s distinctive physicality and double-act timing.
Stan and Ollie’s love of performing together endures despite career pressures and unresolved tensions.
The pair work provincial variety halls across Britain and Ireland while trying to reconnect with live audiences.
Films like Stan & Ollie, and why
My Week with Marilyn
affectionate biographical drama about an enduring creative partnership, balancing backstage humor with late-career regret
The King’s Speech
warm, performance-centered British biographical drama with strong period detail and bittersweet emotional undercurrents
Rocketman
portrait of a famous entertainer shaped by friendship, professional ambition, nostalgia, and charismatic lead performances
The Trip to Spain
gentle show-business dramedy about aging performers, public affection, and the costs of sustaining a partnership
Movie Details
- Director
- Jon S. Baird
- Release Date
- 2018-12-28
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (1162)
Cast
- Steve Coogan
- John C. Reilly
- Shirley Henderson
- Nina Arianda
- Rufus Jones
- Danny Huston
- Joseph Balderrama
- John Henshaw
- Keith MacPherson
- Richard Cant
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- 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 Stan & Ollie about?
- An affectionate late-career portrait follows Laurel and Hardy as comic legends, devoted friends, and touring performers trying to make one last artistic connection.
- What is Stan & Ollie like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Stan & Ollie as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Stan & Ollie violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Stan & Ollie.
- What did critics think of Stan & Ollie?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an affectionate, moving backstage tribute elevated by convincing performances from Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly.
- Which films are like Stan & Ollie?
- Films with a similar feel include My Week with Marilyn, The King’s Speech, Rocketman, and The Trip to Spain.
- How long is Stan & Ollie?
- Stan & Ollie runs 98 minutes.
- Where can I watch Stan & Ollie?
- In United States, Stan & Ollie streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
