Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias (1989)

  • 65% of critics liked it
    (20 reviews)

  • 88% of users liked it
    (158,469 ratings)

The title refers to those seemingly frail Southern belles who survive any and all deprivations through whims of iron. Robert Harling's original stage play was set exclusively in a Louisiana beauty parlor where an all-female cast of characters laughed, cried and compared menfolk. The film expands… More

Play Trailer

PG,
Directed By
Genres
Drama
In Theaters
Jan 1, 1989 Wide
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

  • Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central

    chooses to leave the rearing of her moppet to Dylan McDermott...or Dermot Mulroney. Doesn't matter.

  • Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine

    If Claree's nephew meets gay men by comfirming they have track lighting in their homes, I filter my dating prospects by checking to see if they have a copy of Steel Magnolias on their shelf.

  • Ellen MacKay, Common Sense Media

    Three-hanky special, but with lots of laughs, too.

  • Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks

    For all its violations of good taste and critical criteria, I laugh and cry every time, and I'll never let it go. So sue me.

  • Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

    Good character study ruined by cliche-driven plot

Read all 6 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • ♥˩ƳИИ &


    "The movie has an even balance of humor and tragedy. I think it's one of the best casts in a film. The ladies just play the roles so raw and honest you go on this roller coaster of emotions. The characters feel so real. Many women can relate to this film. The movie is about… More

  • Universal D


    "Oh, I wish I was in Dixie!" for the middle class suburban wife set. Obvious to a fault, its implied "girls are in this all together" message subverted by the constant backbiting gossip sessions in the beauty parlor where they make themselves "pretty", a… More

  • Bethany M


    Heartwarming! A must see!

  • AJ V


    A beautiful drama, based on a play which is based on a true story. Plus I got to be in the play in high school! I love this movie, it has great actors, and I highly recommend it.

  • Spencer S


    The 80's craze with strong Southern women was exemplified by this schmooze fest with some of the biggest Southern stars of the day. It's beautiful to witness female friendship along with a strand or streak of reality.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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Cast

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