Hidden Figures
2016, Drama/History, 2h 7m
318 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
In heartwarming, crowd-pleasing fashion, Hidden Figures celebrates overlooked -- and crucial -- contributions from a pivotal moment in American history. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesHidden Figures Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Katherine Johnson
Dorothy Vaughan
Mary Jackson
Al Harrison
Jim Johnson
Vivian Mitchell
News & Interviews for Hidden Figures
Critic Reviews for Hidden Figures
All Critics (318) | Top Critics (69) | Fresh (296) | Rotten (22)
-
The movie features outstanding performances and pays tribute to three pioneering Black women who played a central role at NASA in the early 1960s during the "space race" between the United States and the Soviet Union.
February 17, 2021 | Full Review… -
Hidden Figures presented three brilliant black women who just wanted to do their jobs.
March 31, 2020 | Full Review… -
Hidden Figures is more about race than the space race, both of which are conquered with grace and girl power.
July 30, 2019 | Full Review… -
Through strong performances, sensitive direction and the strength of its source material, Hidden Figures transcends cliché to become a genuinely moving, inspirational tale of perseverance, strength and love.
August 25, 2018 | Full Review… -
The pragmatism that flows through Hidden Figures provides a beacon of hope in a modern era that feels marked by uncertainty and despair.
September 26, 2017 | Full Review… -
The performances are warm and good-humored, without exception. It is absolutely an inspirational movie.
August 10, 2017 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Hidden Figures
-
Aug 25, 2019Do not at all think that by my feelings I attempt to diminish the achievements of those who made Hidden Figures nor the real women around which the story revolves, this simply just wasn't for me.Gimly M Super Reviewer
-
Mar 13, 2019Delightful history lesson about the black female mathematicians who helped NASA bring people into space. There are a couple of unpleasant scenes reminding the audience of the ridiculousness of race segregation in the 1960s, but overall the mood is pretty uplifting and optimistic. The end is pretty exciting even if you know how things worked out. A fantastic cast makes for several really touching scenes. A pleasure of a film and a story worth being told.Jens S Super Reviewer
-
Jun 01, 2018An inspiring story not aspiring for originality, Hidden Figures forgoes new math for simple arithmetic, boasting a different kind of edginess just in telling a tale of marginalized trailblazers that needs to be told and seen. This is not to say that such storytelling is easy work, however. For a teaching moment to be this heartwarming, entertaining, and rousing, it takes a very intelligent design and the true beauty of the film comes down to how the whole production explains a complex problem involving segregation and empowerment with such a single, satisfying solution. This PG-rated drama presents the story of a team of female African-American mathematicians (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae) who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Certainly, the true events on which Hidden Figures is based didn't unfold so breezily in real life and the actual hidden figures themselves didn't enjoy such a breezy journey. This is a film meant to fuel the soul of all filmgoers, however, especially women and people of color. Its intent is to raise the spirits--not look back in abject anger. This is why their story has been re-purposed as a crowd-pleaser. With a PG rating, it is meant to be accessible. If it encourages action as well, this is only a good thing. But Hidden Figures's main purpose is to inform, honor, and celebrate, which the film does with great dignity and grace. Adapted from the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi's screenplay provides the perfect template for this successful rendering. The casting only sweetens the pot. Spectacular turns by veterans Henson and Spencer as well as relative newcomer Monae (a breakout role, to be sure) drive the strong narrative. The great supporting performances of Kevin Costner, Jim Parson, and Mahershala Ali likewise deserve mention but this is definitely the ladies' show. As director, Melfi has pulled off a ridiculously impressive feat. Not only does Joan Q. Filmgoer learn about some criminally overlooked figures from American history, but she feels pretty damn good about doing so. To Sum It Up: All Plusses, No MinusesJeff B Super Reviewer
-
May 20, 2017It's definitely entertaining, but these kinds of simplistic Hollywood retellings of historical events have been tiresome for quite some time. If you're going to confront the realities of racism and sexism then you should do so honestly and with all of their complexities.Alec B Super Reviewer
Hidden Figures Quotes
There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified