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The Importance of Being Earnest poster

The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

“Everybody Loves Ernest... But Nobody's Quite Sure Who He Really Is.”

6.8/10 · 512 votes 1h 37m pg ComedyRomanceDramaHistory

#58 of 154 films from 2002 #1092 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Oliver Parker · Written by Oliver Parker

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Two young gentlemen living in 1890s England use the same pseudonym ('Ernest') on the sly, which is fine until they both fall in love with women using that name, which leads to a comedy of mistaken identities.

Cast

Rupert Everettas Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff
Colin Firthas John “Jack” Worthing
Reese Witherspoonas Cecily Cardew
Judi Denchas Lady Bracknell
Tom Wilkinsonas Dr. Chasuble
Frances O'Connoras Gwendolen Fairfax
Anna Masseyas Miss Laetitia Prism
Edward Foxas Lane
Patrick Godfreyas Merriman
Charles Kayas Gribsby
Marsha Fitzalanas Dowager
Cyril Shapsas Pew Opener
Finty Williamsas Young Lady Bracknell
Guy Bensleyas Young Lord Bracknell

Facts

Release dateMay 17, 2002
Runtime97 min (1h 37m) — about the same as the 2002 average of 106 min
GenresComedy, Romance, Drama, History
LanguageEN
Budget$15,000,000
Box office$17,300,000 (1.2× budget)
IMDbtt0278500

More from Oliver Parker

Johnny English RebornJohnny English Reborn2011 · ★ 6.3 · 1h 41m Dorian GrayDorian Gray2009 · ★ 6.0 · 1h 52m St Trinian'sSt Trinian's2007 · ★ 5.9 · 1h 41m

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Questions

How long is The Importance of Being Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest runs 97 minutes (1h 37m).
Is The Importance of Being Earnest worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.8/10 across 512 votes, which places it #58 of 154 films released in 2002 in this index (top 63%) and #1092 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed The Importance of Being Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest was directed by Oliver Parker. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Johnny English Reborn (2011), Dorian Gray (2009), St Trinian's (2007).
Who stars in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Rupert Everett as Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff; Colin Firth as John “Jack” Worthing; Reese Witherspoon as Cecily Cardew; Judi Dench as Lady Bracknell; Tom Wilkinson as Dr. Chasuble; Frances O'Connor as Gwendolen Fairfax.
What is The Importance of Being Earnest rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Importance of Being Earnest?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/17798.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.