The First Wives Club

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The First Wives Club

PG

1996

1h 45m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

Tomatometer

78 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Despondent over the marriage of her ex-husband to a younger woman, a middle-aged divorcée plunges to her death from her penthouse. At the woman's funeral, her former college friends (Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton) reunite for the first time in nearly 30 years. When the three discover the reason for their friend's suicide, they realize that all of their ex-husbands have taken them for granted -- and deciding it's time for revenge, they make a pact to get back at their exes.

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Critics Consensus

First Wives Club is headlined by a trio of comedic dynamos, but the script lets them down with tepid plotting and a fatal lack of satirical bite.

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Anthony Puccinelli

Chicago Reader

06/14/2022

2/4

Nowadays people actually read about the box-office gross of films as if it means something personal to them.

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Rita Kempley

Washington Post

01/09/2019

In the end, "The First Wives Club" even betrays its own bylaws. Revenge is a dish not served. Did Thelma and Louise make their sacrifice for nothing?

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

01/09/2019

2/4

Oh, the stories Hawn, Midler and Keaton could tell about men. But we never get to hear them in "The First Wives Clubs." Instead, it's high jinks as they plot revenge, get the money.

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Dan DiNicola

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

Apr 10

C

Simple and trite.

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Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

Jan 28

3/5

I would've liked things to be a bit more serious but given the time, I understand why they leaned more into the comedy.

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Tatiana Albandos

Medium Popcorn

Jan 28

4/5

I was a little disappointed that all of the men in these women's lives were all terrible. I felt that was a bit unrealistic but it didn't prevent me from enjoying this movie.

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Jeanette A

@RT94081610 Jun 9

This is classic 90s comedy that is a joy to watch. Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton are a formidable trio working together. I got such a good laugh out of this feel good movie. Although it starts on a sad note, it takes you on an entertaining and highly relatable ride that ends on a beautiful positive note. I've watched this movie several times and it never disappoints.

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R T

@Jonathanbing Apr 28

Their revenge is well organized n an inspiration to women faced with similar betrayal. The final musical scene should be the manta of all women. Please ignore all the negative reviews n view yourself!

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Donn A

@RT58687407 Feb 13

fabulous trio of a lead. a hot mess for a plot but forgivable

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Nathan J.

@NathanDirector Oct 21

Rating: 7/10 The First Wives Club is a beloved 90s comedy classic that showcases the legendary chemistry of Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton. This smart, sharp, and hilarious revenge fantasy is a masterclass in ensemble comedy. Highlights - Legendary Cast: The trio of Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton is a comedic dream team with electric chemistry. - Sharp Screenplay: The story is a clever and well-plotted caper that provides a perfect vehicle for its stars to shine. - Iconic Moments: The film is packed with quotable lines and iconic moments, including the legendary "You Don't Own Me" musical number. Criticisms - Flat Direction: The film's direction can feel a bit flat and stagey at times. - Idealized Plot: The plot is highly idealized, requiring a significant suspension of disbelief. Verdict The First Wives Club is a must-see 90s comedy classic that's as fun and quotable today as it was upon its release. With its powerful story of empowerment and legendary leads, it's a hilarious and deeply satisfying film that remains a beloved favorite.

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Me

@ScareMeMore Oct 16

This is a great woman empowering film with a whole bunch of laughs a great cast and I wish they'd make a two a version for now

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Sadie L

@RT69592412 07/04/2025

Icons, sisters are doing it for themselves, camp, colossal and full of bitchy fun!

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Hugh Wilson

Director

Goldie Hawn

Elise Elliot

Bette Midler

Brenda Cushman

Diane Keaton

Annie Paradis

Maggie Smith

Gunilla Garson Goldberg

Sarah Jessica Parker

Shelly Stewart

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Social Climb is On the Rise

2:16

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Battle of the Insults

2:10

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Sprung with Divorce

2:12

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Going Down

2:06

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - The Club Comes to Order

2:11

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Sweet Revenge

1:46

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Hit Me!

0:54

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Youth and Beauty

1:21

The First Wives Club: Official Clip - Elise Liquidates

1:09

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Synopsis

Despondent over the marriage of her ex-husband to a younger woman, a middle-aged divorcée plunges to her death from her penthouse. At the woman's funeral, her former college friends (Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton) reunite for the first time in nearly 30 years. When the three discover the reason for their friend's suicide, they realize that all of their ex-husbands have taken them for granted -- and deciding it's time for revenge, they make a pact to get back at their exes.

Director: Hugh Wilson
Producer: Scott Rudin
Screenwriter: Olivia Goldsmith, Robert Harling
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 20, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 17, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $105.5M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Surround