About a Boy

PG-13

Released May 17, 2002

1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

Romance

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About a Boy: Trailer 1

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93%

Tomatometer

185 Reviews

55%

Audience Score

250,000+ Ratings

A comedy-drama starring Hugh Grant as Will, a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary son and starts attending single parent meetings. As a result of one of his liaisons, he meets Marcus, an odd 12-year-old boy with problems at school. Gradually, Will and Marcus become friends, and as Will teaches Marcus how to be a cool kid, Marcus helps Will to finally grow up.

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Critics Consensus

About a Boy benefits tremendously from Hugh Grant's layered performance, as well as a funny, moving story that tugs at the heartstrings without tilting into treacle.

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Jami Bernard

New York Daily News

Even people who don't usually like Hugh Grant will be charmed by him in the scrappy, slightly scandalous comedy About a Boy.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 10, 2014

Full Review

David Denby

New Yorker

The directors Paul and Chris Weitz -- the American Pie brothers -- have tried hard not to make a tearjerker, and at its best the movie is knowing and tart.

Feb 10, 2014

Full Review

David Edelstein

Slate

Mainstream comedies should all be this funny and tender and deftly performed.

Feb 10, 2014

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

A funny, insightful, sweet film

Jan 8, 2024

Full Review

Danny Anderson

Film Inquiry

The film has tremendous star power, added to this fact, it's a remarkably warm and witty film, filmed with unique creativity and visual gusto, and a catchy soundtrack.

Jun 12, 2021

Full Review

Sergio Benítez

Espinof

The splendid effectiveness of 'About a Boy' lies fully in the precise work of adaptation that the Weitz brothers make of the original text. [Full Review in Spanish]

Sep 4, 2019

Full Review

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Leielle D

This movie is definitely one of my favorites. It shows the themes of hardship, friendship and the importance of allowing new experiences, new people and new perspectives into your life. It is also incredibly funny, witty, and so interesting. I love this movie!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/24

Full Review

Snuggly

Great, heartwarming movie. Hugh Grant's comedic timing is on point. Toni Collette is fantastic too.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/29/24

Full Review

ED M

I have always loved that movie. Is a funny film, I love the characters. I think is a great script. One of my fav movies. And the soundtrack is great.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/24

Full Review

James M

I unfortunately cannot give lower than half a star for this work that calls itself a film. This is in my top ten of the worst films I have ever seen in all my life. There is not a single character to like in this trainwreck. Everyone is either a liar, a manipulator, a bully, or a blackmailer and everyone acts as though it is a completely normal thing. Please people heed my warning and whatever you do DON'T WATCH THIS VILE GARBAGE!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/28/23

Full Review

Madie R

"About a Boy" exceedingly benefits from Hugh Grant's stratified performance, as well as a quick-witted, touching story that tugs at the heartstrings.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/16/23

Full Review

Holly

Oh it's sooo good!!!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/02/24

Full Review

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Chris Weitz

Director

Paul Weitz

Director

Hugh Grant

Will

Rachel Weisz

Rachel

Toni Collette

Fiona

Nicholas Hoult

Marcus

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About a Boy: Official Clip - Marcus Kills a Duck