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The War of the Roses poster

The War of the Roses (1989)

“Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture that makes you feel like falling in love all over again. This is not that movie.”

6.9/10 · 1,294 votes 1h 56m r ComedyDrama

#32 of 70 films from 1989 #929 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Danny DeVito · Written by Michael J. Leeson, Warren Adler

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Barbara and Oliver Rose live happily as a married couple. When Barbara starts to wonder what life would be like without Oliver and likes what she sees, the two begin a campaign to force each other to leave their house, with their divorce lawyer D'Amato caught in the middle.

Cast

Michael Douglasas Oliver Rose
Kathleen Turneras Barbara Rose
Danny DeVitoas Gavin D'Amato
Marianne Sägebrechtas Susan
Sean Astinas Josh at 17
Heather Fairfieldas Carolyn at 17
G.D. Spradlinas Harry Thurmont
Peter Donatas Jason Larrabee
Dan Castellanetaas Man in Chair
Gloria Cromwellas Mrs. Marshall
Harlan Arnoldas Mr. Dell
Mary Fogartyas Mrs. Dell
Rika Hofmannas Elke
Patricia Allisonas Maureen

Facts

Release dateDecember 8, 1989
Runtime116 min (1h 56m) — longer as the 1989 average of 103 min
GenresComedy, Drama
LanguageEN
Budget$26,000,000
Box office$160,188,546 (6.2× budget)
IMDbtt0098621

More from Danny DeVito

MatildaMatilda1996 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 38m Throw Momma from the TrainThrow Momma from the Train1987 · ★ 6.2 · 1h 28m DuplexDuplex2003 · ★ 6.1 · 1h 29m

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Questions

How long is The War of the Roses?
The War of the Roses runs 116 minutes (1h 56m).
Is The War of the Roses worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.9/10 across 1,294 votes, which places it #32 of 70 films released in 1989 in this index (top 56%) and #929 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed The War of the Roses?
The War of the Roses was directed by Danny DeVito. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Matilda (1996), Throw Momma from the Train (1987), Duplex (2003).
Who stars in The War of the Roses?
Michael Douglas as Oliver Rose; Kathleen Turner as Barbara Rose; Danny DeVito as Gavin D'Amato; Marianne Sägebrecht as Susan; Sean Astin as Josh at 17; Heather Fairfield as Carolyn at 17.
What is The War of the Roses rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The War of the Roses?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/6840.

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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.