The Addams Family

Name: The Addams Family
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
Released: November 22, 1991
Duration: 99 min
Rating: 57
Cast: Anjelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, Raul Julia

1991

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 19 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 85 Ratings

See All

7.4

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7.4	Your Score
7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 85 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

The Addams Family

Now Playing: The Addams Family

Movie Details & Credits

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: November 22, 1991 | PG-13

Starring: Anjelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, Raul Julia

Summary: Con artists plan to fleece an eccentric family using an accomplice who claims to be their long-lost uncle.

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 99 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Joe Brown

A laugh-in-the-dark funhouse ride that provides nearly two hours of slightly sinister sight gags and Gothic giggles, is creepy, kooky, even altogether ooky enough to satisfy any Addams addict. Read full review

Susan Wloszczyna

Any qualms that The Addams Family movie might be more creaky than kooky quickly evaporate, like mist over a still-toasty cadaver. [22 Nov 1991, p.1D]

Jay Boyar

One reason that this movie works as well as it does is that everyone takes everything completely seriously. The world of the Addams family may be amusing to us, but to them it's just life. [22 Nov 1991, p.16]

Janet Maslin

The film's aimlessness and repetitiveness eventually become draining. And its small touches often work better than its more elaborate ones, like an extended party sequence that seems awkward and largely unnecessary. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

It might have helped had the film included a few more representatives of the straight world. As it is, there’s almost nothing for the family to play off. We’re shut up in that mansion right along with them, and the kookiness grows fatally quaint. Read full review

Time Out London Staff (Not Credited)

Barry Sonnenfeld setting a cracking pace in his directorial debut, but suggesting that Tim Burton might have given the film the edge it lacks. Ooky the Addamses may be, subversive they ain't; it plays like a paean to the nuclear family. Read full review

Jay Carr

Ultimately, the film's self-censoring will to sweetness and innocence is even more fatal than the flimsiness of the plot. [22 Nov 1991, p.33]

SEE ALL 19 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

MarshallCavalli

Aug 16, 2019

An excellent adaptation of Charles Addams fantastic comic, The Addams Family is in my opinion on the same level as Die Hard as one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

FilipeNeto

Feb 15, 2020

A milestone in black humor.

Finally a movie with the Addams Family! I have always been a fan of this family. I saw some episodes of the original series, even though I never saw it all, nor am I old enough to have seen it on TV. They are adorable in their way of being out of the ordinary.A milestone in black humor.

Finally a movie with the Addams Family! I have always been a fan of this family. I saw some episodes of the original series, even though I never saw it all, nor am I old enough to have seen it on TV. They are adorable in their way of being out of the ordinary. And the film is very true to its essence. I think the film will please adults and young people a little. By its nature, I believe it is not suitable for children, but young people over 12 years old will perfectly adhere to the film. The script is good and gives the Addams all the space to show everything they are and delight us with their unusual and Gothic style.

The film is loaded with well-known actors and they all did a good job thanks to Barry Sonnenfeld's excellent direction. Raul Julia and Angelica Huston shone in the role of Gomez and Morticia, and Christopher Lloyd proved to be great in the role of the hysterical and strange Fester Addams. Dan Hedaya was a pleasant presence and knew how to make a good villain, and it was nice to see Carol Kane. But it is undoubtedly Christina Ricci that stands out, as the sadistic Wednesday Addams.

Excellent scenarios and tetrical costumes make up a visually striking film, full of good points and that helps make the Addams a milestone in black humor.… Expand