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Comedy drama

Parenthood (1989): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Parenthood (1989) movie poster

Parenthood is a 1989 comedy drama directed by Ron Howard, starring Steve Martin. It runs 2 hours 4 minutes and earned $126.3 million worldwide. It earned 3 award nominations, including Best Original Song at the Golden Globes 1990. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
92%
worldwide gross
$126.3M
award nominations
3
Metascore
82
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Parenthood (1989) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 4m (124 min)
Director
Ron Howard
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Parenthood About?

The premise of Parenthood without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A look at the lives of Gil Buckman and his children, as well as those of his siblings, exploring the joys and struggles of raising a family. Gil, a meticulous man, finds himself challenged by the unpredictable nature of parenting and the complexities of his extended family. The film portrays various family situations, including teenage pregnancy, sibling conflicts, and the process of growing up, offering a relatable and humorous look at the realities of parenthood and the importance of connection.

Parenthood Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • single mother
  • father son relationship
  • sexual awakening
  • teenage girl
  • mother daughter relationship
  • oral sex in a car
  • mother son relationship
  • family relationships
  • birthday party
  • pregnancy
  • brother sister relationship
  • cake
+38 more
  • teen angst
  • absent father
  • divorcee
  • gambling debt
  • family reunion
  • marital argument
  • dysfunctional marriage
  • car accident
  • frustration
  • marital reconciliation
  • teenage boy
  • boyfriend girlfriend relationship
  • brother brother relationship
  • st. louis missouri
  • horse
  • pinata
  • childbirth
  • father daughter relationship
  • black sheep of family
  • yuppie
  • dysfunctional family
  • affection
  • videotape
  • anxiety
  • anxiety disorder
  • daydream
  • dragster
  • falling off a horse
  • garbage
  • irresponsibility
  • quitting a job
  • roller coaster
  • senility
  • slow motion scene
  • marital separation
  • vintage car
  • reference to franz kafka
  • child vomiting
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Cast & crew

Parenthood Cast

Steve Martin stars in Parenthood. Directed by Ron Howard.

From the director

More from Ron Howard

More films directed by Ron Howard, best-rated first: Rush, Frost/Nixon, Rebuilding Paradise and Apollo 13.

Full filmography
Ratings

Parenthood Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Parenthood 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic.

Plot

Parenthood Plot Summary

What happens in Parenthood from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Gil Buckman, portrayed by Steve Martin, is a passionate and anxious sales executive caught in the whirlwind of suburban life in St. Louis. Striving to be an involved father, he battles the shadow of his own father, Frank, whose emotionally distant nature left a lasting impact on him. As he navigates the complexities of fatherhood, Gil’s world becomes increasingly turbulent upon discovering his oldest son, Kevin, is facing emotional challenges and is recommended for therapy by the school psychologist. The realization that his two younger children, daughter Taylor and son Justin, also grapple with their issues only amplifies Gil’s insecurities, prompting him to deeply interrogate his capabilities as a parent.

Full summary

The whole story of Parenthood, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Parenthood Box Office

Parenthood grossed $126.3 million worldwide. $100 million came from the US and Canada and $26.3 million (21%) from the rest of the world.

1989 box office

Worldwide gross

$126.3M

US & Canada
$100M
International
$26.3M
US & Canada 79% Rest of the world 21%
Awards

Parenthood Awards & Nominations

Parenthood earned 3 award nominations, including Best Original Song at the Golden Globes 1990.

3 nominations1 ceremony

  • Golden Globe Awards logo
    Golden Globes 1990 3 nominations
    • Nominated Best Original Song
    • Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Actor) – Steve Martin
    • Nominated Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Comedy or Musical (Supporting Actress) – Dianne Wiest
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Parenthood?

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

Who plays the role of Gil Buckman?

Cars

Cars in Parenthood

46 cars on screen, including the Custom Made Dragster and the 1935 Ford V8.

All 46 cars
  • Custom Made Dragster in Parenthood Custom Made Dragster Important role
  • 1935 Ford V8 in Parenthood 1935 Ford V8 Important role
  • 1987 Plymouth Voyager in Parenthood 1987 Plymouth Voyager Important role
  • 1974 Chevrolet Vega Kammback in Parenthood 1974 Chevrolet Vega Kammback Minor role
Details

Parenthood Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “Dulce hogar... ¡a veces!” and “Lar”.

Also known as
  • Dulce hogar... ¡a veces!
  • Lar
  • Doce Lar... às Vezes
  • Eine Wahnsinnsfamilie
  • Parenti, amici e tanti guai
  • Portrait craché d'une famille modèle
  • Föräldraskap
  • Родители
  • 温馨家族
  • Vásott szülők
  • הורים במשרה מלאה
  • O Tiro Que Não Saiu Pela Culatra
+11 more
  • Numai tată să nu fii!
  • Spokojnie, tatuśku
  • Çılgın Aile
  • Rodičovství
  • Батьки
  • 우리 아빠 야호
  • Rodičovstvo
  • バックマン家の人々
  • Perhe on paras
  • Δεσμοί Στοργής
  • Hele den pukkelryggede familie

Seen Parenthood?

FAQ

Parenthood FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

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

How long is Parenthood?

Parenthood runs 2 hours 4 minutes (124 minutes).

When was Parenthood released?

Parenthood was released on August 2, 1989.

Who directed Parenthood?

Parenthood was directed by Ron Howard.

More films by Ron Howard

Who is in the cast of Parenthood?

Parenthood stars Steve Martin.

How much did Parenthood make at the box office?

Parenthood grossed $126.3 million worldwide ($100 million domestic, $26.3 million international).

How is Parenthood rated?

Parenthood has 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic and 50% on TMDB.

Was Parenthood nominated for any awards?

Parenthood received 3 nominations across 1 ceremony.

Does Parenthood have a post-credit scene?

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

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