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About a Boy
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About a Boy

2002
Romance
Comedy
1h 41m
About a Boy is about a man (Grant) -- a handsome, rich, shallow, self-absorbed, irresistible cad -- and the unexpected relationship he develops with a boy he meets while trying to pick up another boy's mother. (Universal Pictures)
Directed by:
Chris Weitz Chris Weitz Paul Weitz Paul Weitz
+1 more
Written by:
Paul Weitz Paul Weitz Peter Hedges Peter Hedges Nick Hornby Nick Hornby
+2 more
Starring:
Hugh Grant Hugh Grant Toni Collette Toni Collette Rachel Weisz Rachel Weisz Isabel Brook Sharon Small Victoria Smurfit Nicholas Hoult Nicholas Hoult Nicholas Hutchison Natalia Tena Natalia Tena
More
Genres:
Romance, Comedy
Countries:
France, Germany, UK, USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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About a Boy

2002
Romance
Comedy
1h 41m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 49.94% from 5273 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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paxtonPaxton
Rated 27 Feb 2023
69
59th
I enjoyed enough but I wasn't too keen on the tagline: About a boy is about a man that is about to have a bout with about three women and it's about time.
Rated 27 Feb 2023
gtown1479gtown1479
Rated 29 May 2008
85
84th
I actually found Hugh Grant to be pretty darn funny in this film. I caught myself laughing a lot more then I thought I would. Maybe I am just becoming a fan of these British movies (like Love Actually). I didn't enjoy the whole making up he had a kid part, and was happy when his cover was blown. The ending was a little far-fetched, but I didn't care because I was too busy laughing at how Grant took on his challenges. "Do you miss him"; 'Who?" "Your son." (that was my favorite line)
Rated 29 May 2008
thmertensth_mertens
Rated 07 Nov 2007
38
11th
I'm planning a murderconspiracy against Hugh Grant. ........ Who's with me ???
Rated 07 Nov 2007
nearphotisonNearphotison
Rated 27 Dec 2008
84
69th
A truly touching and human story about a father-son relationship between a lone bachelor and fatherless boy. Really a very sweet story and a good commentary on families.
Rated 27 Dec 2008
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 05 Mar 2007
70
51st
While it may fail in its more serious segments, works as great fun in its more romantic-light-comedy tone.
Rated 05 Mar 2007
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 27 Jan 2010
85
66th
Hugh Grant with an edge, and it works.
Rated 27 Jan 2010
lookjabbaLookJabba...
Rated 21 Dec 2014
6
41st
About a Boy is something of an unsung and forgotten British gem. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy and admire this film. Hugh Grant gives arguably his best performance here. Nicholas Hoult & Toni Collette are both strong also. There are several touchy subjects and each of the characters have their own struggles. But the humour is perfectly pitched. There are many heartwarming moments in this film, but in particular the scene with Grant & Hoult together on the school stage is undeniably touching.
Rated 21 Dec 2014
svicciarellisvicciarelli
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
82nd
Terrific, touching comedy. The kind of movie you don't want to end.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
quasiqueasyQuasiqueasy
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
78th
Surprisingly, a good Hugh Grant movie. Grant plays very much against his doofus/nebbish standard typecasting, and is very effective in this. Toni Collette is great as an embarrassingly-bad hippie mom to Nicholas Hoults' Marcus, who is also very well-cast and a much better child actor than we typically see in film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
joshstew06JoshStew06
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
63rd
Just a really good movie. It's funny at times, and sad at times, but ultimately uplifiting. And the cast is well worth watching.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 07 Aug 2010
65
61st
It's pretty warm and cool, thanks to Hugh Grant, doing his best character -- I do think the actor is somehow as empty as the character, but that's not a very funny remark.
Rated 07 Aug 2010
danilolopesDanilolopes
Rated 05 Jul 2008
75
44th
I don't know exactly why, but i really like this movie.
Rated 05 Jul 2008
bojanpopicbojanpopic
Rated 18 May 2008
84
71st
Very nice movie. Watch it with you boyfriend/girlfriend.
Rated 18 May 2008
kalopsia7Kalopsia7
Rated 17 Jul 2015
7
82nd
Nicholas Hoult outshines Grants acting, in the way that Hoult embodies the image of a child looked in psychological trauma due to his mothers instability. However, Grant and Hoult manage to play off each other well.Toni Collette's depiction of a mother with mental illness, makes the film for me. Her portrayal is utterly crushing,perhaps a little too familiar. In no way is this movie perfect, but the reality behind the narrative far outweighs the cheese.
Rated 17 Jul 2015
circe823Circe823
Rated 19 Jul 2007
82
50th
Hugh Grant as a selfish layabout? What a stretch! Still, this movie is sweet, funny and well made.
Rated 19 Jul 2007
marc01marc01
Rated 12 Feb 2009
70
40th
Very light, in a good way.
Rated 12 Feb 2009
rufamRufam
Rated 25 Jul 2012
60
29th
Predictable from beginning to end, but the tenderness of the script along with Grant's affable performance are actually enough to make the film pleasant and even a bit touching. Although the clichés eliminate any possibility for greatness or true emotional depth, the conviction of the cast and the directors' affection towards these characters make for adequate substitutes.
Rated 25 Jul 2012
ofallpiecesofallpieces
Rated 09 Apr 2010
55
8th
The book is amazing, the movie is not.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
walkearthwalkearth
Rated 12 Nov 2016
35
17th
Screenplay was all over the place. It went in a million different directions. Some of the chemistry and acting wasn't convincing. Editing was somewhat inconsistent too.
Rated 12 Nov 2016
tashatTashaT
Rated 30 Nov 2014
100
97th
I give this a 100 not because I think it's the best movie around, but simply because I love it. Hugh Grant seems quite effortless in this role, Nicholas Hoult is adorable, and the chemistry between the two is wonderful. One of my favorites, and one that I watch every couple of years.
Rated 30 Nov 2014
jpfergusonJPFerguson
Rated 14 Dec 2020
80
89th
I've not read the book so can only comment on the film itself, and for me it is so fulfilling due to the cast. Hugh Grant was born to play this role, and the same could be said for Nicholas Hoult. The Weitz brothers achieve the perfect balance between taking the piss and realising a sincere story of self-affirmation through caring for others. The soundtrack by Badly Drawn Boy is the sound of the early 2000s.
Rated 14 Dec 2020
lifeandalllifeandall
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
50th
One of Hugh Grant's best roles. Between his puppy dog face and his interaction with the boy, you are in for a heart warming treat.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
mrmartinMrMartin
Rated 23 Sep 2011
80
63rd
Different than the book... I like it as its own thing because Hugh Grant is the perfect schmuck.
Rated 23 Sep 2011
dorothyozDorothyOz
Rated 23 Aug 2015
70
53rd
I quite liked it
Rated 23 Aug 2015
icybrianIcyBrian
Rated 28 Jul 2011
80
66th
Cute, funny, and touching, with great performances from Hugh Grant & Nicholas Hoult. I love Rachel Weisz in this, too.
Rated 28 Jul 2011
ravpropravprop
Rated 24 Jan 2017
90
40th
cute, somewhat thoughtful
Rated 24 Jan 2017
monkeyhawkMonkeyHawk
Rated 20 Apr 2009
42
3rd
Be sure to take your insulin first.
Rated 20 Apr 2009
pigletPiglet
Rated 17 Jun 2009
74
75th
A movie with Grant that I can finally enjoy. Some of the scenes are great filmmaking, like the cringeworthy singing and the whole part of the mother is a bit embarrasing to watch until it becomes dead serious.
Rated 17 Jun 2009
mrbeckmrbeck
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
25th
Oh Hugh Grant... give it up will you? Or at least stop your producers from releasing your films in North America. (If you like romantic comedies it's not THAT bad. There... I said it. Happy?)
Rated 14 Aug 2007
garlonussGarlonuss
Rated 19 Feb 2009
76
47th
A bit bland here and there, but Hugh Grant is quite fun at times.
Rated 19 Feb 2009
atlas423Atlas423
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
79th
Very endearing
Rated 14 Aug 2007
briancrewsbriancrews
Rated 13 Feb 2009
92
55th
Suprisingly good
Rated 13 Feb 2009
cmonsterCMonster
Rated 01 Jan 2015
58
34th
Charming enough for a romcom. Not great, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I was entertained by it.
Rated 01 Jan 2015
shorty18shorty_18
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
33rd
Hugh Grant is such a bastard.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 10 Mar 2014
90
94th
Grant is perfect for this role, the film makes little effort to mask or even justify his flaws but still humanity and charm manage to peek out, which is essential to the film. The kid is pretty good too. I love the way the film balances humour with its exploration of the personal and the social. The only flaw is the final two scenes, which feel too trite and while emotionally they're earned I don't feel they flow narratively and tonally.
Rated 10 Mar 2014
cestmoicestmoi
Rated 15 May 2008
75
48th
Maybe the best thing about it was the soundtrack.
Rated 15 May 2008
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 25 Sep 2010
68
65th
One of the better romantic comedies in years, Grant is charming as an asshole and Collette is great as an insane mother.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
redeyedtissRedeyedtiss
Rated 12 Dec 2006
83
75th
Happy romance.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
cosmicmonkeyCosmicMonkey
Rated 15 Sep 2013
70
34th
Not really sold by this. Yeah, it might be Hug Grant's best work I've seen yet, but it still lacks a lot of substance or character, nothing ever really clicks.
Rated 15 Sep 2013
chuchaquiChuchaqui
Rated 01 Dec 2006
81
55th
Great film, nice adaptation of the book. Actually liked Hugh Grant here, that's kind of special.
Rated 01 Dec 2006
esxapeesxape
Rated 31 Aug 2015
88
92nd
There is so much to like about this movie. I love the actors. Toni Collette is so underrated. Hugh Grant is a genius at straight comedy. Nick Hoult does a fine job and has had lots of future success. This is a slice-of-life movie. Every scene can stand on its own. The dialogue is witty and interesting. The sound track is very good from Badly Drawn Boy. Many great quotable lines. Highly recommended.
Rated 31 Aug 2015
kurtzxokurtz_xo
Rated 09 Jun 2009
75
63rd
had a few good laughs with this one
Rated 09 Jun 2009
argion21Argion21
Rated 25 Jan 2017
56
22nd
Would have been way more interesting if they stuck more to Will how he was in the books....and didn't cast Hugh Grant.
Rated 25 Jan 2017
tntotatntota
Rated 17 Sep 2008
90
71st
One more great story of us
Rated 17 Sep 2008
lihkinlihkin
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
19th
pretty ok
Rated 14 Aug 2007
murravenerMurravener
Rated 07 Mar 2007
30
0th
A movie that truly feels forced and as though it is trying so hard to be something that it isn't and teh result is a thoroughly unentertaining film.
Rated 07 Mar 2007
bookhouseboybookhouseboy
Rated 14 May 2011
55
74th
#11#, liked, rewatch(2) }*{ #03#, story, Rachel W, H Grant.
Rated 14 May 2011
mynameismaxmynameismax
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
69th
Really good performance by Grant as a darker character than usual and an interesting soundtrack by Badly Drawn Boy make a quirky adaptation of Hornby's novel.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
00120012
Rated 28 Jun 2007
81
48th
Though I like the soundtrack better then the actual movie, this film is actually pretty decent.
Rated 28 Jun 2007
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 17 May 2008
82
81st
an awesome adaptation of an awesome book, that combined with a great soundtrack and comedy sensibilities makes this one of grants best efforts.
Rated 17 May 2008
paniskalpelpaniskalpel
Rated 08 Nov 2009
79
68th
The moment on the stage was moving. This kid is great.
Rated 08 Nov 2009
juicesticejuicestice
Rated 19 Dec 2008
70
21st
One of Hugh's better movies in my books, solid characters, some good humour.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
hilarrrrrryhilarrrrrry
Rated 28 Dec 2006
85
55th
delightful and charming, like grant himself.
Rated 28 Dec 2006
mrmiasmamrmiasma
Rated 30 Dec 2008
75
39th
Endearing and heart-felt with a soundtrack to match, About a Boy captures the manchild growing up with Hugh Grant acting charming as always and the newcomer young actor who does a delightful job at being quixotic and endearing.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
aurelius99aurelius99
Rated 27 Feb 2007
83
84th
Clever, fresh perspective
Rated 27 Feb 2007
zapperlifeZapperLife
Rated 24 Jun 2010
49
49th
Revisited (2)
Rated 24 Jun 2010
bellamyrbellamyr
Rated 05 May 2008
51
23rd
A story about a self-absorbed cad .. why did they pick Mr Grant I wonder ? If the book was bad then the film was worse ! I liked the popcorn though.
Rated 05 May 2008
sw0sw0
Rated 08 Apr 2008
30
10th
Every hugh grant movie is like the same.. wtf
Rated 08 Apr 2008
chachachacha
Rated 02 Aug 2007
73
51st
While I don't like Hugh grant much he does have a certain appeal after a while. The developing relationship between his character and the boy's is quite cute. Again bit of a feel good movie - but aren't all Hugh's movies feel good?
Rated 02 Aug 2007
critickerkawcritickerkaw
Rated 07 Mar 2008
85
45th
I remember liking this movie, even though it wasn't always cheerful the touches of humor and compassion made it worthwhile.
Rated 07 Mar 2008
msiewekemsieweke
Rated 09 Oct 2009
75
34th
A bit smarmy and uneven. I enjoyed it once, but wouldn't pay to watch it again.
Rated 09 Oct 2009
citysqwirlcitysqwirl
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
87th
Great characters -- Hugh plays a cad very well.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
debzie0601debzie0601
Rated 25 Jun 2007
83
91st
Hugh Grant is excellent at a reluctant father, and the duck scence is the best ever!
Rated 25 Jun 2007
shoranShoran
Rated 02 Feb 2008
65
40th
I'm sure Marcus is an endearing 12 year old schoolboy, but sometimes he borders on the edge of irritation and annoyance.
Rated 02 Feb 2008
xazzyxazzy
Rated 19 Aug 2007
70
57th
Funny, touching. Standard Hugh Grant.
Rated 19 Aug 2007
seryxaSeryxa
Rated 09 Apr 2009
50
67th
Amusing comedy about the beginnings of masculine maturity, at its best when not taking itself too seriously.
Rated 09 Apr 2009
libertylionLibertyLion
Rated 09 Jan 2011
55
22nd
Typical Nick Hornby formula. Hugh Grant thought he was happy, but really all along all he needed was blah blah and to see that, deep down what really matters is stuff. Kinda funny in places, but also pretty lame.
Rated 09 Jan 2011
esperhartEsperHart
Rated 24 Jan 2021
100
86th
50+5 little Nicholas Hoult; +5 Marcus's rainbow sweater; +6 Marcus asking the real questions; +4 on-purpose dishevelment; +10 "Miss Granola Suicide"; -5 selfishness; +15 duck/loaf of bread joke; +5 "Shake Ya Ass"; +5 Will's growing moment; -5 Will giving Marcus poopy advice; +5 Ellie smacking the rude kid at the Kidz Rock concert
Rated 24 Jan 2021
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 17 Nov 2021
83
83rd
Goddaughter?etci'dprobshagherlool+Lovessinglemomsandthembreakingupwithhimlol+SPATlol+imaginedmomhappywaving-findhesuicideattempt+lovehowselfishheislol+letsRthinkhissonlol+savesattalentshowsinging
Rated 17 Nov 2021
k44renk44ren
Rated 19 Aug 2007
80
41st
very sweet movie that tells the story quite well
Rated 19 Aug 2007
stflyst_fly
Rated 31 Aug 2007
25
26th
ok
Rated 31 Aug 2007
martrynmartryn
Rated 25 Mar 2007
72
57th
A Nick Hornby novel perfectly translated to the big screen by these Weitz fellows (who have otherwise directed shit), featuring Hugh Grant in what I consider his greatest role. The soundtrack is fantastic, and this is the first film I saw that I remember Nicholas Hoult from.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
rtomatoesRTomatoes
Rated 29 May 2009
93
87th
A winning comedy that benefits from Hugh Grant's boyish charms.
Rated 29 May 2009
cultofsamecult_of_same
Rated 04 Mar 2009
55
63rd
Grant is a douche yes, but I still find the movie charming...at least it was a romantic comedy with only one and a half douches.
Rated 04 Mar 2009
cloudcandy19cloudcandy19
Rated 19 Nov 2016
85
53rd
SO SO SO SAD
Rated 19 Nov 2016
scacescace
Rated 21 May 2016
91
44th
Very entertaining film because of the outstanding chemistry between Hugh Grant and Nicholas Hoult. Casting directors must have gone crazy discovering the talents of the precocious Hoult. What a show biz veteran Hoult has become.
Rated 21 May 2016
malcymMalcym
Rated 14 Aug 2007
7
77th
Cosy, crowd pleasing modern Britcoms have a tendency to wear me out, but this is one of the better examples, with some bite as well as plenty of genuine laughs. Grant is on smashing form - I always prefer snarky or oily Hugh to befuddled um, um, er… bugger Hugh - and he had great chemistry with little Nick Hoult. Nobody - NOBODY - could have predicted the latter day heartthrob status for which the latter, all eyebrows and nerdy sweaters, was headed.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
patabongopatabongo
Rated 04 Aug 2007
92
93rd
This is the film people who don't like Hugh Grant like Hugh Grant in. The scene where Toni Collette confronts him in the restaurant is just terrific.
Rated 04 Aug 2007
larasteLaraste
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
21st
didn't fulfill it's potential
Rated 14 Aug 2007
yakwiseauyakwiseau
Rated 22 Sep 2015
1
7th
Pathetically sappy movie with an embarrassing performance from the insufferable Hugh Grant. Sorry, I just really hate Hugh Grant.
Rated 22 Sep 2015
glm01glm01
Rated 25 Apr 2014
82
71st
82.000
Rated 25 Apr 2014
tanukiTanuki
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
75th
My favorite Hugh Grant romantic comedy ...since they are all pretty similar. If you needed to only see one, this would be it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
prisonerPrisoner
Rated 18 Aug 2007
55
16th
OK romantic comedy. Arrested development is explored. I can just look in a mirror if I want to do that.
Rated 18 Aug 2007
thegreyfoxthegreyfox
Rated 25 Dec 2016
82
80th
Well, the reality is that the plot of AAB is pretty unlikely, but that doesnt mean it is not a really funny film, that passes the 6 laugh test with ease. Any bloke that has been single for any length of time will see themselves in Hugh Grant and laugh at themselves because if it. We probably could have all done with someone to actually care about! Some great performances, not least a super unselfconcious Hoult and Grant himself. Nice to see a film that doesn't lay the message on with a trowel.
Rated 25 Dec 2016
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 28 Apr 2013
75
67th
There is something about Nick Hornby novels that lend themselves to very good to great movie adaptations (except the American version of Fever Pitch, because we Yanks ruin everything).
Rated 28 Apr 2013
tathieltathiel
Rated 23 Sep 2008
85
84th
Hugh Grant is great in this one. But I think it's more a comdey than a romance.
Rated 23 Sep 2008
cameramancameraman
Rated 13 Sep 2010
15
13th
I hated this film.I like Hugh Grant a great deal but the boy was so unlikeable. I couldn't understand how anyone could be drawn to him to even consider adoption. Verdict Rubbish.
Rated 13 Sep 2010
eric_janeric-jan
Rated 26 Jan 2009
75
74th
Anti hero movie.
Rated 26 Jan 2009
gemini666gemini666
Rated 27 Mar 2010
85
55th
Funny script based on Nick Hornby novel.
Rated 27 Mar 2010
quinlanljQuinlanLJ
Rated 07 Jan 2016
72
56th
Not a film that would really stand out amongst other English comedies, but it's still a fun one. Nocholas Hoult is definitely the star of the film, he pretty much outshines everyone, including Hugh Grant, who I don't usually like in other films, but is quite bearable in this one. The story itself is pleasant, just not something to be excited about. So to be short, it's a fun little comedy drama.
Rated 07 Jan 2016
joeliusJoelius
Rated 29 Aug 2008
11
9th
I loved Hugh Grant looking stupid so that the kid didn't but the rest of it was lame.
Rated 29 Aug 2008
duca015duca015
Rated 20 Oct 2011
84
55th
Classic Hugh Grant movie. If You don't like him, You will probably will not like move either. Funny at the moments, sad at the moments... Except for score, there is nothing special in this movie. As I already stated, it is for Hugh Grant fans. And of course, Nick Hornby fans.
Rated 20 Oct 2011
metismetis
Rated 06 Aug 2021
75
59th
8?
Rated 06 Aug 2021
metzmetz
Rated 04 Sep 2010
30
17th
Sentiments because of the book, Grant is grand, really enjoyed his performance.
Rated 04 Sep 2010
keiiyakeiiya
Rated 29 Sep 2009
91
97th
Oh, the English.
Rated 29 Sep 2009
redrabbitRedrabbit
Rated 28 Mar 2011
80
28th
To be honest, the only movie where Hugh Grant can really act
Rated 28 Mar 2011
arossaross
Rated 21 Nov 2016
62
18th
Cheesy Hugh Grant rom com. Sappy
Rated 21 Nov 2016
irvinejumpirvinejump
Rated 30 Dec 2008
40
25th
meh
Rated 30 Dec 2008
badfishstanbadfishstan
Rated 14 Aug 2007
31
5th
He only makes one kind of movie, and this is one of that kind.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 31 Jul 2009
46
34th
Likeable.
Rated 31 Jul 2009

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