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Fantasy comedy

Genie (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Genie (2023) movie poster

Genie is a 2023 fantasy comedy starring Melissa McCarthy as Flora, Paapa Essiedu and Denée Benton. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $333,526 worldwide. Critics gave it 31% on Rotten Tomatoes and 35 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.

IMDb rating
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
31%
worldwide gross
$333.5K
Echo Score
60
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Genie (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Genres
Comedy , Fantasy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Genie About?

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

After countless years granting wishes for selfish desires, a genie named Flora is unexpectedly summoned by Bernard Bottle, a man whose life is falling apart. Overwhelmed by work, Bernard has neglected his marriage to Julie and the childhood of his daughter, Eve, leading to a trial separation and a sudden job loss. While alone in his apartment, he accidentally releases Flora from a jewelry box. She may be his only chance to win back his family, but in trying, they both discover the power of love and friendship, and the possibility of a unique holiday magic.

Genie Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • magic
  • santa
  • holiday comedy
  • eiffel tower
  • mona lisa the painting
  • arrest
  • flying carpet
  • fireworks
  • paris france
  • remake
  • wish
  • christmas eve
+38 more
  • new york
  • magic carpet
  • time travel
  • genie
  • christmas
  • holiday season
  • christmastime
  • three months later
  • reference to mission impossible
  • reference to inspector clouseau
  • reference to tom cruise
  • title spoken in dialogue
  • reference to ricky gervais
  • riding a flying carpet
  • reference to texas chainsaw massacre
  • reference to the bible
  • reference to jesus christ
  • husband wife relationship
  • gay character
  • black woman
  • christmas lights
  • father daughter relationship
  • going to hell
  • police station
  • girl
  • female protagonist
  • male protagonist
  • black male protagonist
  • reference to hell
  • male and female protagonists
  • black man
  • christmas tree
  • daughter
  • father
  • wife
  • dollhouse
  • historian
  • boss
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Cast & crew

Genie Cast & Characters

Melissa McCarthy leads the cast as Flora, with Paapa Essiedu as Bernard and Denée Benton as Julie.

Ratings

Genie Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Genie 31% on Rotten Tomatoes and 35 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in character & emotion (68) and weakest in art & craft (48).

60 /100

Genie Echo Score Breakdown

Genie delivers a modestly entertaining holiday experience anchored by Melissa McCarthy's energetic performance, but it struggles to rise above a familiar formula. The film’s visual and narrative elements feel serviceable yet uninspired, offering occasional charm through festive set pieces and a lively soundtrack. While the chemistry between the leads provides some sparkle, the overall execution remains predictable, resulting in a watchable but forgettable seasonal entry.

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

  • Art & Craft 48

    In terms of art and craft, the film presents competent production design and a bright visual palette, yet it suffers from uneven cinematography and modest editing. Critics note blandness and cheap CGI, while a few viewers appreciate the festive décor and soundtrack. The visual style lacks the polish needed to elevate the material, leaving the overall aesthetic feeling functional rather than striking.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    When it comes to character and emotion, McCarthy delivers a charismatic, humor‑laden performance that resonates with many viewers, and her chemistry with Paapa Essiedu is frequently highlighted as a strength. However, some critics find the character development shallow and the emotional arcs under‑cooked. The net impression is a lively but not deeply layered cast that carries the film’s light‑hearted tone.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Regarding story and flow, Genie follows a well‑trodden holiday template, offering a predictable plot with a feel‑good resolution. Reviewers acknowledge the formulaic nature but some appreciate its comforting familiarity. Critics point to arbitrary thematic beats and a lack of originality, while audience members accept the simplicity as part of its charm. Overall, the narrative is serviceable yet unremarkable.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In the sensory experience, the film provides an engaging soundtrack and a visual style rich with Christmas décor that many find appealing. Yet, certain sound‑design choices and special‑effects sequences, such as the flying carpet, are described as underwhelming. The sensory elements thus oscillate between festive enjoyment and occasional technical shortcomings, yielding a mixed but generally pleasant impression.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    The rewatch factor is buoyed by the film’s light‑hearted humor and seasonal vibe, making it a convenient pick for family viewing during the holidays. While critics doubt its lasting impact, several audience members highlight its comfort value and willingness to return for a cheerful escape. Consequently, Genie holds modest replay appeal for viewers seeking uncomplicated holiday entertainment.

Plot

Genie Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Genie from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Paapa Essiedu as Bernard is overworked and overstressed at a high-end New York auction house, constantly bending to the unreasonable demands of his narcissistic, greedy boss, Alan Cumming as Mr. Flaxman. In the relentless wake of his career pressures, he misses his daughter Eve’s 8th birthday and the chance to bring a proper present, a failure that drives a wedge between him and his wife, Denée Benton as Julie, who ultimately leaves him. The very next day, Bernard is fired, and suddenly his world tilts off its axis.

Full summary

The whole story of Genie, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Genie Box Office

Genie grossed $333,526 worldwide.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$333.5K

International
$333.5K
Videos

Genie Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer, 1 clip and 1 featurette.

Official UK Trailer
  • Clip The Unusual Wishing Rules Extended Preview
  • Featurette Richard Curtis and Monica Heisey Create The ULTIMATE Rom-Com
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Genie?

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 is the name of the overworked protagonist who discovers the genie?

Details

Genie Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “精灵来你家” and “지니”.

Also known as
  • 精灵来你家
  • 지니
  • 精灵鬼
  • پری
  • Džinas
  • Duh
  • الجني
  • Джинн
  • Genie - A Magia do Natal
  • 精靈也過聖誕節
  • Джин
  • Dzsinn
+1 more
  • ג'יני

Seen Genie?

FAQ

Genie FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Genie?

Genie runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was Genie released?

Genie was released on November 22, 2023.

Who is in the cast of Genie?

Genie stars Melissa McCarthy as Flora, Paapa Essiedu as Bernard and Denée Benton as Julie, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Genie make at the box office?

Genie grossed $333,526 worldwide.

How is Genie rated?

Genie has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 31% on Rotten Tomatoes, 35 on Metacritic and 66% on TMDB.

Does Genie have a post-credit scene?

No. Genie has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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