Little Women (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Little Women is a 2019 romantic drama starring Laura Dern as Marmee March, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen. It is based on Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It runs 2 hours 15 minutes and earned $332.1 million worldwide on a $40 million budget. It won 1 Oscar, including Costume Design, and 3 awards in all. Critics gave it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 91 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 15m (135 min)
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
- Budget
- $40M
- Based on
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Little Women About?
The premise of Little Women without spoilers, adapted from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Following the lives of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March during and after the Civil War, this adaptation explores their individual struggles and ambitions. Jo, an aspiring writer, grapples with societal expectations while forging her own path. The film portrays their close bonds, familial love, and the challenges they face as young women seeking independence and self-discovery in a changing world, all while honoring Louisa May Alcott's beloved story.
Little Women Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- aspiring writer
- mother daughter relationship
- poverty
- concord massachusetts
- based on novel
- death of sister
- sister sister relationship
- scarlet fever
- paris france
- american civil war
- shorthaired woman
- period drama
+38 more Show fewer
- female protagonist
- new york city
- teenage girl
- coming of age
- falling through ice
- women's rights
- aspiring painter
- dancing
- husband wife relationship
- christmas tree
- christmas
- piano
- horse and carriage
- kiss
- flashback
- death of daughter
- writing
- publisher
- family relationships
- aunt niece relationship
- death of aunt
- amateur theatrics
- four sisters
- writer
- wealth
- rain
- generosity
- mailbox
- montage
- burning a manuscript
- talking to the camera
- subjective camera
- sprained ankle
- beer hall
- boarding house
- new year's eve
- grandfather grandson relationship
- tutor
Little Women Cast & Characters
Laura Dern leads the cast as Marmee March, with Florence Pugh as Amy March and Eliza Scanlen as Beth March.
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Laura Dern as Marmee March -
Florence Pugh as Amy March -
Eliza Scanlen as Beth March -
Saoirse Ronan as Jo March
Also Starring in Little Women
· 10 more- Tracy Letts Mr. Dashwood
- Meryl Streep Aunt March
- Timothée Chalamet Laurie
- Louis Garrel Friedrich Bhaer
- Emma Watson Meg March
- Chris Cooper Mr. Laurence
- James Norton John Brooke
- Bob Odenkirk Father March
- Abby Quinn
- Jayne Houdyshell Hannah
Little Women Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Little Women 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 91 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in sensory experience (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).
Little Women Echo Score Breakdown
Little Women offers a richly emotive and visually sumptuous adaptation of Alcott’s novel. The ensemble cast delivers heartfelt performances that anchor a multilayered narrative structure and thematic exploration of sisterhood and female fulfilment. The film’s flourishing visual design and thoughtful pace create a cohesive sensory landscape, though the non-linear chronology can occasionally disrupt narrative momentum. In sum, its combination of emotional depth, aesthetic elegance, and modern perspective yields a compelling and enduring cinematic experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its lavish production design and considered cinematography. Reviewers note the opulent color palette, intricate costume detail, and polished editing that underscore the narrative scope. While occasionally the unrelenting visual richness can undercut moments of dramatic grit, the overall direction demonstrates assured control and cohesive stylistic vision.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to character and emotion, the ensemble performances provide nuanced portrayals that foster genuine empathy. The lead actresses convey depth in sisterly bonds and personal growth, supported by effective chemistry across the cast. Some critique notes occasional superficiality in secondary roles, yet the central emotional arcs remain resonant. Overall, the character work feels both heartfelt and engaging.
- Story & Flow 60
In terms of story and flow, the inventive non-linear structure brings thematic layers and modern perspective to the source material. The restructured timeline creates dynamic interplay between past and present, enhancing contextual depth. However, this approach can occasionally disrupt pacing and dilute dramatic tension. Despite these shifts, the narrative sustains its emotional core and maintains overall engagement.
- Sensory Experience 90
When it comes to the sensory experience, the film showcases a richly layered visual style complemented by an evocative musical score. The sound design and soundtrack accentuate pivotal emotional moments, while the cohesive aesthetic unifies scenic landscapes and interior spaces. Although the lush visuals sometimes overpower subtler tonal shifts, the overall sensory presentation remains immersive and compelling.
- Rewatch Factor 80
Regarding rewatch factor, the film offers enduring appeal through its emotional depth and thematic richness. The layered narrative and strong character arcs invite repeated viewings to uncover nuanced details. Additionally, the visual design and period atmosphere retain freshness upon subsequent watches. While some viewers may find the pacing less urgent on repeat, the movie’s thoughtful construction supports lasting engagement.
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IMDb 7.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 95% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 92%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 91 Metascore
User score 7.5
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 79% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 4.2 /5
164K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.4 /5
See on Movie Insider
Little Women Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Little Women 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 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the year 1868, Jo March, portrayed by the talented Saoirse Ronan, finds herself teaching in the bustling city of New York. Striving to support her family, she approaches editor Mr. Dashwood, played by Tracy Letts, to publish her latest story. After enduring significant revisions, Jo manages to secure a modest payment of $20 for her hard work. She resides in a boarding house aptly named “Little Women.” As the family’s financial struggles continue, Jo feels the weight of responsibility, especially with her sister Amy, embodied by Florence Pugh, across the ocean in Paris, engaged in the pursuit of a wealthy suitor to assist their family’s plight.
Full summary
The whole story of Little Women, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Little Women Box Office & Budget
Little Women grossed $332.1 million worldwide on a $40 million budget, 8.3 times what it cost. $108.1 million came from the US and Canada and $224 million (67%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$332.1M
8.3× its budget
- US & Canada
- $108.1M
- International
- $224M
- Budget
- $40M
Little Women Awards & Nominations
Little Women won 1 Oscar, including Costume Design, and 3 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Critics' Choice 2020, with 1 win from 9 nominations.
3 wins23 nominations5 ceremonies
-
Critics' Choice 2020 1 win · 9 nominations- Won Best Adapted Screenplay – Greta Gerwig
- Nominated Best Acting Ensemble
- Nominated Best Actress – Saoirse Ronan
- Nominated Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Director – Greta Gerwig
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Oscars 2020 1 win · 6 nominations- Won Costume Design
- Nominated Actress in a Leading Role – Saoirse Ronan
- Nominated Actress in a Supporting Role – Florence Pugh
- Nominated Best Picture
- Nominated Music (Original Score) – Alexandre Desplat
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BAFTA 2020 1 win · 5 nominations- Won Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Actress in a Leading Role – Saoirse Ronan
- Nominated Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Florence Pugh
- Nominated Best Adapted Screenplay – Greta Gerwig
- Nominated Best Original Music – Alexandre Desplat
-
Golden Globes 2020 2 nominations- Nominated Best Original Score
- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actress) – Saoirse Ronan
Show all 5 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Artios Awards 2020 1 nomination- Nominated Big Budget – Drama
Little Women Trailers & Videos
17 videos: 1 trailer, 12 clips and 4 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Clip Clip - Will You Dance
- Clip Clip - Economic Proposition
- Clip Clip - You'll Need to Marry
- Clip Clip - I'm So Sick Of It
How Well Do You Know Little Women?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who plays Jo March in the 2019 adaptation of Little Women?
Cars in Little Women
4 cars on screen, including the 2006 Toyota Wish and the 2013 CMC Veryca.
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2006 Toyota Wish Important role -
2013 CMC Veryca Minor role -
1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse Hearse W140 Background role -
2004 Toyota Corolla Altis Background role
Seen Little Women?
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Little Women FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it, awards and post-credit scenes of Little Women, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Little Women?
Little Women runs 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes).
When was Little Women released?
Little Women was released on December 25, 2019.
Who is in the cast of Little Women?
Little Women stars Laura Dern as Marmee March, Florence Pugh as Amy March and Eliza Scanlen as Beth March, among 14 credited actors.
How much did Little Women make at the box office?
Little Women grossed $332.1 million worldwide ($108.1 million domestic, $224 million international) on a budget of $40 million.
How is Little Women rated?
Little Women has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 91 on Metacritic and 79% on TMDB.
Is Little Women based on a book?
Yes. Little Women is adapted from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
What awards did Little Women win?
Little Women won 3 awards from 23 nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay at the Critics' Choice 2020.
Does Little Women have a post-credit scene?
No. Little Women has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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