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Dinner with Friends

Dinner with Friends

Four Friends. Two Marriages. One Divorce.

TV movie200194 minMidcredits score: 47th percentile of all films
Director
Norman Jewison
Starring
Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear

A husband and wife reevaluate their marriage after their closest friends, another couple decide to split up after twelve years.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Dinner with Friends?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Dinner with Friends streaming on HBO Max.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Dinner with Friends?

Dinner with Friends earns 4 badges, led by Award Winner and Thought-provoking.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Dinner with Friends worth watching?

Dinner with Friends' Midcredits score is the 47th percentile of all films, from 7.8K ratings across 4 sources. 47% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

47th percentile

Better received than 47% of films

53rd percentile among Comedy46th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)46th
Approval (how many liked it)48th

60 /100

46th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Comedy45th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

47% liked it

48th percentile of all films

54th percentile among Comedy45th percentile among 2000s
47% rated it 7–1053% rated it 1–6

Critics 90% · Audience 45%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 6 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

79th percentile

7.8K ratings across platforms

76th percentile among Comedy71st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 18% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A talk-heavy relationship drama about two couples dealing with divorce that relies on its ensemble cast and dialogue.

Fans praised

  • thoughtful dialogue-driven examination of marriage
  • strong performances from Quaid, Kinnear, Collette
  • nuanced look at how divorce ripples through friendships

Detractors panned

  • static, stagey talk-fest with little visual interest
  • unlikeable characters with unclear motivations
  • weak ending that feels unresolved

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

solid performances from cast, especially Quaid and Kinnear

DialogueDivisive60

sometimes clever but often boring and stagy

Emotional impactDivisive55

thought-provoking but fails to connect for some

OriginalityDivisive50

uncommon premise about friends' reaction to divorce

CharactersDivisive45

unlikeable and inconsistent, especially men written as effeminate

Plot and storyDivisive40

goes nowhere; contrived and lacks payoff

PacingDivisive40

loses momentum; feels slow and theatrical

Ending30

abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Dinner with Friends like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something to think about afterwards.

It takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
BittersweetContemplativeMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmTender · 13% of films
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters and their flawed relationships with empathy and gentle humour, played straight without irony.
The rideThe film maintains a reflective, emotionally mixed tone throughout, building to a bittersweet resolution.
StructureThe story unfolds in the present with flashbacks to the couples' past on Martha's Vineyard.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer reflecting on the fragility of marriage and friendship, with a bittersweet acceptance of life's uncertainties.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 22% of films: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeThe film is a character-driven ensemble drama exploring the impact of a marital breakup on two couples; no plot archetype fits.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfMarriageBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% (this title) · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Marriage · 2% of filmsFriendship · 9% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines the strain and resilience of two marriages and the friendship that binds the couples together.
StanceThe film presents marriage and friendship honestly without championing or condemning any perspective.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalJazzSupportive music · original score · Dave Grusin
Settingpresent-day Connecticut and New York City, with flashbacks to Martha's Vineyard
MusicThe score underscores the emotional shifts between the couples.

Content guide

Is Dinner with Friends okay for kids?

The MPAA's rating reason for Dinner with Friends reads “Rated R for language”. As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (0/100), sexual content at moderate (42/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • Hungary16
  • Poland18
  • RO18
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (11 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Dinner with Friends have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Dinner with Friends?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Dennis Quaid
as Gabe
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Andie MacDowell
as Karen
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Toni Collette
as Beth
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Greg Kinnear
as Tom
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Taylor Emerson
as Danny
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jake Fritz
as Isaac
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Holliston Coleman
as Laurie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Angus T. Jones
as Sammy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Beau Holden
as Al
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Dina Morrone
as Hostess
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Dinner with Friends?

Movies like Dinner with Friends include The Four Seasons (1981), I Don't Know How She Does It (2011) and The Thomas Crown Affair (1968). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Norman Jewison, and most are chamber dramas.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its world: suburban middle class. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Dinner with Friends?

3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: chamber drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.