Boys on the Side 1995

Boys on the Side

Critics Consensus

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74%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 35

69%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 35,209

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Boys on the Side Photos

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Movie Info

After breaking up with her girlfriend, a nightclub singer, Jane (Whoopi Goldberg), answers a personal ad from Robin (Mary-Louise Parker), a real estate agent with AIDS, seeking a cross-country travel partner. On their journey from New York City to Los Angeles, the two stop by Pittsburgh to pick up Robin's friend Holly (Drew Barrymore), who is trying to escape an abusive relationship. With three distinct personalities, the women must overcome their differences to help one another.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    drama, comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Herbert Ross
  • Producer:
    Arnon Milchan, Steven Reuther, Herbert Ross
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $22.2M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Regency Enterprises, Alcor Films, New Regency Pictures, Canal+
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Whoopi Goldberg
Jane
Mary-Louise Parker
Robin
Drew Barrymore
Holly
Matthew McConaughey
Abe
James Remar
Alex
Billy Wirth
Nick
Anita Gillette
Elaine
Dennis Boutsikaris
Massarelli
Estelle Parsons
Louise
Amy Aquino
Anna
Herbert Ross
Director
Arnon Milchan
Producer
Steven Reuther
Producer
Herbert Ross
Producer
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Critic Reviews for Boys on the Side

All Critics (35) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (9)

View All Critic Reviews (35)

Audience Reviews for Boys on the Side

  • Dec 02, 2010
    It was okay, something I'd watch in passing or while doing something else.
    Sarah P Super Reviewer
  • Dec 15, 2009
    The Best and precious gift ever is laughter and the miracle of friendship.
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
  • Apr 25, 2008
    A bit cheezy in parts but it's cute and sweet.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
  • Jan 12, 2008
    This is a movie I have watched many times over the years and have owned in more than one format (VHS, laserdisc and now DVD... and frankly the transfer on the DVD is so crappy if it comes out on blu here, I am all over it!), so that gives you some idea how much I love it and how biased this review is going to be! As far as I am concerned, it is the perfect movie about female friendship... another one that leaves SATC in the pale (fun though those movies might be). Casting is perfect. I am far from a Whoopi Goldberg fan (she normally grates on me), but she is really good in this as Jane, a musician and lesbian who meets up with Robin (Mary-Louise Parker - just perfect here. I had never seen her in anything before this and I was drawn to her portrayal of the slightly dorky but beautiful Robin). Both are looking to leave town for various reasons and decide to car pool to California, though seemingly totally incompatible. Along the way they pick up Jane's friend Holly (Drew Barrymore - also a perfect role for her) who has got herself into a bit of a scrape with her dodgy boyfriend. The three get to know each other better, secrets come out and long lasting friendships are formed. The ending is incredibly sad and moves me to tears everytime without fail. I don't want to say more than that and ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen this. Even though the twist which leads to the end is revealed fairly early on in the movie, you do still kind of hope it will not happen as you just really can't wish any bad on this emotionally scarred character. I had not realised that Matthew McConaughey plays the policeman Holly falls in love with - I have not watched this movie in a few years, and I probably didn't really know who he was at the time. (Now of course he is in just about every chick flick going). He is pretty slimy here - both himself and the character, so I guess he suits it!
    Nicki M Super Reviewer
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