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Biographical musical

Better Man (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Better Man (2024) movie poster

Better Man is a 2024 biographical musical directed by Michael Gracey, starring Alison Steadman as Betty, Kate Mulvany and Damon Herriman. It runs 2 hours 11 minutes and earned $22.5 million worldwide on a $110 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
worldwide gross
$22.5M
award nominations
18
Echo Score
84
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Better Man (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 11m (131 min)
Director
Michael Gracey
Original language
English
Budget
$110M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Better Man About?

The premise of Better Man without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

This film explores the extraordinary career of British pop icon Robbie Williams, charting his rise to fame, subsequent struggles, and eventual comeback. Told from Williams’ perspective, the story follows his journey from childhood, detailing the highs and lows of his life and career as one of the world’s most beloved entertainers.

Better Man Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • singer
  • based on real people
  • docudrama drama
  • pop music
  • female nudity
  • mother son relationship
  • father son relationship
  • singing in a car
  • grandmother grandson relationship
  • singing on a bus
  • 1990s
  • cgi character in a live action movie
+38 more
  • 2000s
  • cgi animal in live action film
  • england
  • pop singer
  • concert
  • title based on song
  • london england
  • british
  • film with ambiguous title
  • metaphor
  • singing
  • musical number
  • daddy issues
  • self loathing
  • self hating
  • drug addiction
  • depression
  • success
  • monkey
  • monkey business
  • drug use
  • two word title
  • profanity
  • talking animal
  • year 1992
  • reference to oasis
  • fame
  • voice over narration
  • montage
  • c word
  • snorting cocaine
  • talk show host
  • mansion
  • heavy rain
  • school
  • reference to merlin
  • liam gallagher
  • year 2002
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Cast & crew

Better Man Cast & Characters

Alison Steadman leads the cast as Betty, with Kate Mulvany as Janet and Damon Herriman as Nigel Martin Smith. Directed by Michael Gracey; 7 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Better Man

· 3 more
Ratings

Better Man Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Better Man 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 84/100, strongest in sensory experience (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).

84 /100

Better Man Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Better Man delivers a visually striking musical biopic that succeeds through its daring CGI protagonist and energetic song sequences, while its narrative intermittently suffers from uneven pacing and occasional over‑sentimentality. Critics and audiences alike commend the film’s inventive direction, vibrant choreography, and emotionally resonant moments that capture Robbie Williams’ turbulent career. However, some note a bloated runtime and a plot that at times feels unfocused. The net impression is a largely enjoyable experience that stands out within its genre.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from Michael Gracey’s bold direction and a richly detailed visual palette that brings the CGI chimp to life. Critics highlight the striking cinematography, inventive set pieces, and seamless editing that support the musical numbers. While a few note occasional visual excess, the overall production design is praised for its originality and technical proficiency.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, Robbie Williams’ performance—whether as CGI monkey or human—conveys a surprisingly nuanced portrayal of fame, addiction, and vulnerability. Reviewers cite the heartfelt moments, chemistry with supporting cast, and the effective use of the ape metaphor to deepen emotional resonance. Some critics find the central character’s development uneven, yet the consensus affirms a compelling core that engages viewers.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative follows the familiar rise‑and‑fall arc of a pop star, infused with bold musical set‑pieces and a unique CGI premise. Critics praise its experimental premise but point to uneven pacing, overlong sequences, and occasional reliance on biopic clichés. Audience reactions mirror this split, finding the plot engaging yet sometimes predictable, resulting in a mixed overall assessment.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    In sensory experience, the film excels through vibrant musical numbers, a robust Brit‑pop soundtrack, and dynamic choreography that synchronize with the visual style. Reviewers highlight the striking colour palette, seamless CGI integration, and powerful sound design that amplify emotional beats. While a minority note occasional auditory excess, the consensus is that the sensory elements significantly elevate the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    The rewatch factor remains strong as the film’s inventive premise and memorable musical set‑pieces encourage repeat viewings. Positive audience feedback emphasizes lasting emotional impact and the novelty of the CGI ape metaphor, while some critics cite the film’s length and uneven storytelling as deterrents. Overall, the combination of visual flair and heartfelt moments gives the movie a solid appeal for subsequent watches.

Plot

Better Man Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Better Man from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film presents a uniquely narrated journey through the life of pop icon Robbie Williams, with his life story being conveyed through the lens of a chimpanzee, symbolizing his perception of being “less evolved.”

Full summary

The whole story of Better Man, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Better Man Box Office & Budget

Better Man grossed $22.5 million worldwide on a $110 million budget, 20% of what it cost. $2 million came from the US and Canada and $20.6 million (91%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$22.5M

20% of its budget back

US & Canada
$2M
International
$20.6M
Budget
$110M
US & Canada 9% Rest of the world 91%
Awards

Better Man Awards & Nominations

Better Man was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 18 nominations come from 6 ceremonies, the most at the AACTA Awards 2025.

18 nominations6 ceremonies

Show all 6 ceremonies
Videos

Better Man Trailers & Videos

21 videos: 1 trailer, 6 teasers, 5 clips, 5 featurettes and 4 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 21 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser Official Teaser Trailer
  • Teaser Coming to cinemas on Boxing Day I Book Now
  • Teaser Coming to cinemas on Boxing Day I Book Now
  • Teaser Coming to cinemas on Boxing Day I Book Now
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Better Man?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What animal represents Robbie Williams in the film?

Cars

Cars in Better Man

15 cars on screen, including the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 and the 1979 Ford Escort MkII.

All 15 cars
  • 1964 Aston Martin DB5 in Better Man 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Important role
  • 1979 Ford Escort MkII in Better Man 1979 Ford Escort MkII Important role
  • AEC Regent in Better Man AEC Regent Minor role
  • Bedford CF Mk1 in Better Man Bedford CF Mk1 Minor role
Details

Better Man Also Known As

24 alternative titles, including “ベター・マン” and “אדם טוב יותר: סיפורו של רובי וויליאמס”.

Also known as
  • ベター・マン
  • אדם טוב יותר: סיפורו של רובי וויליאמס
  • Better Man: La Historia de Robbie Williams
  • 更好的我
  • 베러맨
  • Better Man: Роби Уилямс
  • Better Man: Niesamowity Robbie Williams
  • Быть лучше: История Робби Уильямса
  • Better Man: סיפורו של רובי וויליאמס
  • Quý Ông Hoàn Hảo
  • Better Man - Die Robbie Williams Story
  • 原始巨星
+12 more
  • Роббі Вільямс: Better Man
  • BETTER MAN/ベター・マン
  • Better Man - A História de Robbie Williams
  • Better Man: Robbie Williams
  • Better Man: Robbie Williamsi lugu
  • Daha yaxşı olmaq: Robbi Uilyamsın hekayəsi
  • 更好的人
  • Better Man: Robbie Williams istorija
  • رجل افضل, რობი უილიამსი: Better Man
  • Better Man: Robbie Williams'ın Hikâyesi
  • مرد بهتر
  • เบทเทอร์ แมน

Seen Better Man?

FAQ

Better Man FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Better Man, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Better Man?

Better Man runs 2 hours 11 minutes (131 minutes).

When was Better Man released?

Better Man was released on December 25, 2024.

Who directed Better Man?

Better Man was directed by Michael Gracey.

More films by Michael Gracey

Who is in the cast of Better Man?

Better Man stars Alison Steadman as Betty, Kate Mulvany as Janet and Damon Herriman as Nigel Martin Smith, among 7 credited actors.

How much did Better Man make at the box office?

Better Man grossed $22.5 million worldwide ($2 million domestic, $20.6 million international) on a budget of $110 million.

How is Better Man rated?

Better Man has 7.5/10 on IMDb and 77 on Metacritic.

Was Better Man nominated for any awards?

Better Man received 18 nominations across 6 ceremonies.

Does Better Man have a post-credit scene?

No. Better Man has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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