Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- warm
- cheerful
- holiday viewing
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics found the material familiar and limited, but broadly agreed that Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau's comic chemistry makes the film enjoyable.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau drive the film through rapid insults, timing, and familiar antagonistic rapport.
John and Max have argued as next-door neighbors for more than fifty years, yet their feud is rooted in enduring friendship.
Both elderly neighbors pursue Ariel after she moves into their street, making old age central to the romantic conflict.
Thanksgiving and Christmas associations, neighborhood warmth, and an upbeat resolution position the film as holiday entertainment.
Films like Grumpy Old Men, and why
The Odd Couple
shared buddy comedy structure, aging protagonists, affectionate male rivalry, and veteran comic chemistry
Out to Sea
shared romantic comedy framework, mature performers, witty antagonism, and warmth beneath comic conflict
The Family Stone
shared holiday setting, small-town domestic comedy, and emotionally reassuring romance
Movie Details
- Director
- Donald Petrie
- Release Date
- 1993-12-25
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (786)
Cast
- Jack Lemmon
- Walter Matthau
- Ann-Margret
- Burgess Meredith
- Daryl Hannah
- Kevin Pollak
- Ossie Davis
- Buck Henry
- Christopher McDonald
- John Carroll Lynch
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Philo
- 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 Grumpy Old Men about?
- Two lifelong feuding neighbors turn their retirement years into a comic contest for the affection of a new neighbor.
- What is Grumpy Old Men like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Grumpy Old Men as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Grumpy Old Men violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Grumpy Old Men as mild.
- What did critics think of Grumpy Old Men?
- Critics found the material familiar and limited, but broadly agreed that Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau's comic chemistry makes the film enjoyable.
- Which films are like Grumpy Old Men?
- Films with a similar feel include The Odd Couple, Out to Sea, and The Family Stone.
- How long is Grumpy Old Men?
- Grumpy Old Men runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Grumpy Old Men?
- In United States, Grumpy Old Men streams on fuboTV, Philo.
