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Poster for The War of the Roses

The War of the Roses

Seen it?

1989 | 116 min | Comedy, Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), it made about 6 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Marriage Story, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 56 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Barbara and Oliver Rose live happily as a married couple. When Barbara starts to wonder what life would be like without Oliver and likes what she sees, the two begin a campaign to force each other to leave their house, with their divorce lawyer D'Amato caught in the middle.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.9 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 3 Golden Globes, 1 BAFTA and 1 Berlin award.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $160 million worldwide on a $26 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 360K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Danny DeVito

  • Michael DouglasOliver Rose
  • Kathleen TurnerBarbara Rose
  • Danny DeVitoGavin D'Amato
  • Marianne SägebrechtSusan
  • Sean AstinJosh at 17
  • Heather FairfieldCarolyn at 17
  • G.D. SpradlinHarry Thurmont
  • Peter DonatJason Larrabee
  • Dan CastellanetaMan in Chair
  • Gloria CromwellMrs. Marshall