The Skeleton Twins

Play trailer

The Skeleton Twins

R

2014

1h 31m

Comedy

Drama

LGBTQ+

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

164 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Following many years of estrangement, twins Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wiig) have an unexpected reunion after a set of near-tragedies. The situation forces them to confront how their lives became so broken. For Maggie, it means examining why she's so unhappy in a marriage to a loving husband. For Milo, it means meeting with his first love to see if their romance can reignite. Eventually, they learn that living truthfully and accepting each other is the only way to move forward.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Led by powerful performances from Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, The Skeleton Twins effectively mines laughs and tears from family drama.

Read Critics Reviews

David Sims

The Atlantic

Sep 22, 2016

Despite occasional charming moments and a generally solid ensemble, The Skeleton Twins doesn't distinguish itself in any memorable way.

Go to Full Review

Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

Nov 9, 2014

Suicide is no laughing matter, but there are some wry smiles in this changeably moody indie-pic about self-destructive siblings.

Go to Full Review

Charlotte O'Sullivan

London Evening Standard

Nov 7, 2014

4/5

How can you not love something that gives Wiig so much scope?

Go to Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Jul 31, 2025

3/5

The clear chemistry between these two former television co-workers crosses over nicely into serious drama.

Go to Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

Feb 1, 2021

3.5/5

An interesting and funny character study for much of its 93 minute running time, but the ending feels almost as if the production ran out of money and shut down before they figured out a satisfactory conclusion.

Go to Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Dec 4, 2020

4/10

An exhausting succession of dramatic happenings that leave little room for periodic small wins.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Robert P

@Superbad 17 hrs ago

The Skeleton Twins is a 3.5 star Movie Plus I am gay so I love gay films!

See more

Bridget B

@RT85206161 Sep 13, 2026

A word of caution: This movie contains multiple scenes referencing characters’ complex trauma, specifically suicide and abuse of a minor child. Dial or text 988 if you or someone you care about are in a mental health crisis.//This movie pinched my heart with sorrow, uplifted me, made me chuckle, and realistically portrayed moments of hard decision-making, pathos, healing, and connection in the life of complex trauma survivors. It is the most authentic film about the micro moments of change that happen in the human healing process. These micro moments are instances of decision-making that turn on a breathless dime in the screenplay. The moments are all portrayed with distinctively raw, realistic comic and dramatic timing. The acting, the cinematography, the dialogue, plot, and directing, all support each other beautifully in this ultimately excellent film.

See more

Steven E

@RT30436402 Jul 8, 2026

It was a good movie, but a heavy drama, and because both of the principles are really good comics, I had expected it to be more comic. They're both excellent dramatic actors, but it was pretty depressing.

See more

Horror fan 4

@Horrorfan4life Aug 23, 2025

A great movie with 2 excellent performances by wiig and hader. Love the chemistry with the song!! Tim Treakle

See more

Stephen C

@bob25009 May 29, 2025

LOL, a funny and successful comedy movie in 1 hour and 31 minutes!!!!!!!! Rated R for Language, Drug Use and Some Sexuality.

See more

Stephen L

@RT02285025 Mar 16, 2025

"The Skeleton Twins" is a heartfelt and darkly funny exploration of sibling bonds, trauma, and emotional recovery. Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig deliver standout dramatic performances, showcasing a chemistry that makes their characters’ complicated relationship feel authentic and deeply affecting. The film skillfully balances humor and melancholy, using sharp writing and intimate direction to navigate its heavier themes. While its indie sensibilities may not appeal to all, The Skeleton Twins is a moving, well-acted film that finds beauty in life’s messier moments.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Craig Johnson

Director

Bill Hader

Milo

Kristen Wiig

Maggie

Luke Wilson

Lance

Ty Burrell

Rich

Boyd Holbrook

Billy

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - Whore-Like Tendencies

2:41

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - Halloween

2:07

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - He Was Your English Teacher

2:19

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - You're Here

2:26

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - What Am I To You?

2:15

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - You Ruined My Marriage

3:01

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - Laughing and Gas

2:48

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now

2:56

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - Welcome Home

2:39

Now Playing

The Skeleton Twins: Official Clip - A Bad Mother

2:13

Now Playing

View more videos

The Humbling

53%

28%

The Humbling

Watchlist

The Kids Are All Right

93%

74%

The Kids Are All Right

Watchlist

Adult Beginners

49%

31%

Adult Beginners

Watchlist

Nasty Baby

68%

40%

Nasty Baby

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Nasty Baby

Tangerine

96%

76%

Tangerine

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Following many years of estrangement, twins Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wiig) have an unexpected reunion after a set of near-tragedies. The situation forces them to confront how their lives became so broken. For Maggie, it means examining why she's so unhappy in a marriage to a loving husband. For Milo, it means meeting with his first love to see if their romance can reignite. Eventually, they learn that living truthfully and accepting each other is the only way to move forward.

Director: Craig Johnson
Producer: Stephanie Langhoff, Jennifer Lee, Jacob Pechenik
Screenwriter: Craig Johnson, Mark Heyman
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
Production Co: Duplass Brothers, Venture Forth
Rating: R (Language|Drug Use|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 19, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 30, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.3M
Runtime: 1h 31m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings