Best Friends

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Best Friends

PG

1982

1h 56m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

62%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

33%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

For years, screenwriting team Richard Babson (Burt Reynolds) and Paula McCullen (Goldie Hawn) have built a successful Hollywood career while managing to live harmoniously together. After finishing their latest script, Babson uses the euphoria to convince McCullen to take the leap into marriage. However, when the newlywed couple travels back east to meet their respective in-laws, the pitfalls of marriage begin to surface. Unprepared, Babson and McCullen struggle with the changing dynamics.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

May 8, 2019

3.5/4

So far, this sounds like a series of fairly predictable scenes. But they're redeemed by the writing and acting. The dialogue doesn't sound like reprocessed sitcom, and there are charming moments.

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Nov 12, 2018

There are lots of laughs in the script by Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson, as well as wry insights into modern relationships.

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Variety Staff

Variety

Mar 26, 2009

A very engaging film.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Jan 14, 2019

2.5/4

There's little doubt that Best Friends fares best in its compulsively watchable opening stretch...

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TV Guide

May 7, 2013

2/4

Thin story collapses under the leaden star chemistry; capable supporting players can't save this dud.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Jun 10, 2012

C

Considering the source material (real life of writers Barry Levinson and Valerie Curtin, and the caliber of stars, Hawn and Reynolds, this comedy is disappointingly shallow and predictable.

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Ron T

@Ron750 Mar 15, 2026

I bailed at the 21 minute mark. I married my wife in 1981. Even back then a lot of people discouraged me from getting married. So I thought this movie sounded intriguing. It has a good cast, but it moved too slowly for me. I’m still married to my wife, 44 years, three kids and six grandchildren later. Marrying my wife was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me. Don’t let the popular culture discourage you from getting married. Make a commitment to God and hold on tightly to the wild roller coaster ride. Otherwise you might end up like most of Hollywood. Vapid, unhappy. Money doesn’t buy love.

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Aug 24, 2025

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

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CodyZamboni Z

@CodyZamboni Mar 9, 2025

Terrible, lame sitcom level humor and situations, So much potential, Blown, given the talent involved, Only merit, Goldie Hawn looks amazing, Especially in bathtub and shower.

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Geke g

@RT40239519 Aug 10, 2024

Same relationship as me that got in just month ago

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Munkh T

@RT64187897 Aug 1, 2024

Cute movie. I will recommend to my friends

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Munkhjargal A

@RT28084692 Jul 26, 2024

In this movie, a very successful guy comes to New York City, and so does he. and got married after proposing to someone. When the two set out on their journey, problems begin to arise. In this film, the director talks about why troubled divorces occur after looking for marriage.

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Norman Jewison

Director

Burt Reynolds

Richard Babson

Goldie Hawn

Paula McCullen

Jessica Tandy

Eleanor McCullen

Barnard Hughes

Tim McCullen

Audra Lindley

Ann Babson

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75%

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Synopsis

For years, screenwriting team Richard Babson (Burt Reynolds) and Paula McCullen (Goldie Hawn) have built a successful Hollywood career while managing to live harmoniously together. After finishing their latest script, Babson uses the euphoria to convince McCullen to take the leap into marriage. However, when the newlywed couple travels back east to meet their respective in-laws, the pitfalls of marriage begin to surface. Unprepared, Babson and McCullen struggle with the changing dynamics.

Director: Norman Jewison
Producer: Norman Jewison, Patrick J. Palmer
Screenwriter: Valerie Curtin, Barry Levinson
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Brothers/Seven Arts, Major Studio Partners
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 1982, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 5, 2008
Runtime: 1h 56m

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