Twins (1988)

33% of critics liked it
(27 reviews)
41% of users liked it
(186,453 ratings)

The central "gimmick" of the comedy-adventure Twins is established early on. Unbeknownst to one another, king-sized Arnold Schwarzenegger and gnomeish Danny De Vito are twin brothers. Even better: Schwarzenegger is a mild-mannered, bookish type, while De Vito is a vitriolic troublemaker. The film… More The central "gimmick" of the comedy-adventure Twins is established early on. Unbeknownst to one another, king-sized Arnold Schwarzenegger and gnomeish Danny De Vito are twin brothers. Even better: Schwarzenegger is a mild-mannered, bookish type, while De Vito is a vitriolic troublemaker. The film takes satiric jabs at the notion of "perfect" genetics, and makes several pointed comments concerning the dangers of youthful pre-conditioning by insensitive parents. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Ivan Reitman
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 9, 1988 Wide
On DVD: May 26, 1998
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Director Ivan Reitman more than delivers on the wacky promise of Twins in this nutty, storybook tale of siblings separated at birth and reunited at age 35.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
The sort of movie that seems to be made of Styrofoam. It's instantly disposable but it won't quickly disappear.
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
There's enough sugary male bonding to warrant a Sensitive Guys Red Alert.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
It is an engaging entertainment with some big laughs and a sort of warm goofiness.
, Film4
Reitman (one of the highest grossing directors of all time) has made a career peddling brain-dead schlock, but this tiresome gruel is even below his ground-level standards.
Philip Thomas, Empire Magazine
The film feels, rather than the solid comedy it is, like a massive missed opportunity.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Schwarzenegger proves to be mildly amusing, but DeVito seems to be coasting on his past reputation as an audience pleaser.
, Time Out
DeVito displays his remarkable ability to shift from fast-talking cynicism to affecting sentiment, while Arnie reveals a reasonable talent for light comedy.
Gregory Weinkauf, New Times
This movie improves with depression.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
An idea that began and ended with the casting session.
Kevin Fiddler, Henderson Home News (Henderson, NV)
Funny Ah-nold

Read all 11 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

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

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Gosh, whenever I see Schwarzenegger and DeVito together I just can't tell them apart, their like twins or something! :) What a ridiculous movie! I think this was the starting point in the downfall of Arnold's acting career. I mean, he was cool before this movie! Anyway,… More
Gosh, whenever I see Schwarzenegger and DeVito together I just can't tell them apart, their like twins or something! :) What a ridiculous movie! I think this was the starting point in the downfall of Arnold's acting career. I mean, he was cool before this movie! Anyway, this movie isn't terrible, but it isn't good either.
Bethany M

Hilarious! I love Arnold!
Lady D

A watchable, comical film, that has lasted an age and still seems to come across in the same way. Easy watching fun.
Conner R

Maybe I'm partial to this movie because I hold its leads in such high regard, but I thought this was a really fun movie with some great comedy. I think the story is just so kooky and different that it just works. There was something really touching about this too, I think anyone… More
Maybe I'm partial to this movie because I hold its leads in such high regard, but I thought this was a really fun movie with some great comedy. I think the story is just so kooky and different that it just works. There was something really touching about this too, I think anyone with a brother can relate to it. There isn't any giant revelation or break in the average comedy formula, but that's sort of why it's as harmless and enjoyable as it is. If you're looking for a light-hearted and fun movie, this is very solid.
Tim S

Remember when this was big? lol No you don't.
Wahida K

This was very funny. Miss Arnie as an actor somehow.
Anthony L

Look how skinny Arnold Schwarzenegger is on the poster! That can?t be right can it!?
Jon L

This was a very funny film. It had the makings of a good film and followed through with a great story that was funny and memorable. A must see.
Jason O

"Twins" is without a doubt one of the best comedy movies ever made. Julius (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Vince (Danny Devito) star as the unlikely twins who were separated at birth. Julius was raised on a tropical island and only knows good and what he has read in several… More
"Twins" is without a doubt one of the best comedy movies ever made. Julius (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Vince (Danny Devito) star as the unlikely twins who were separated at birth. Julius was raised on a tropical island and only knows good and what he has read in several books and Vince is a full time prisoner and troublemaker on the run. After trying for a long time, Julius convinces Vince that they're twins and before long they do some of the same things at the same time and they have a sense of each other even when neither one is anywhere in site, just like twins. However, even though they're twins, they still have their differences. Vince is still unwillingly getting into trouble, but he is getting better with the aid of Julius and they even start going places and hanging out together at times. "Twins" is a great movie in every way. It's hilarious, it's got a great plot, it's even got its touchy parts, and best of all, Danny Devito and Arnold Schwarzenegger both do a great job. Whether they're getting into trouble, taking up for each other, or having a great time, they both do a great job and make this movie a classic. Kelly Preston also looks better than ever in this movie. I recommend "Twins" to anybody who likes great movies. It's a true classic. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2000.
Thomas B

interesting concept, though it seems as though, in every scene, danny de vito is trying to drag arnold schwarzenegger into actually acting. seems painful
Martin S

No....it's not funny
Alexander W

Funny film about two brothers seperated and back together battle some dangerous villians
A B

Enjoyable lighthearted comedy.
Curtis L

okay, not my favorite Arnie film.
EightThirty .

This is a good for everyone...Totally Funny!!XD
Candy R

Story about two men who find out they are twins. Danny has all the bad defects and Arnie all the good.
Lafe F

Yeah, we get it - they don't look alike! A simple comedy which is easy to digest.
Dean !

One of Arnie's best comedy films, largely thanks to the excellent Danny DeVito. The most unlikeliest of twins are reunited after being seperated at birth. Together they get in all sorts of trouble.
danny d

funny stuff, back when arnold did entertaining movies
Leigh R

Funny...

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Arnold Schwarzenegger as Julius Benedict

            Danny DeVito as Vincent Benedict

            Kelly Preston as Marnie Mason

            Chloe Webb as Linda Mason

            Bonnie Bartlett as Mary Ann Benedict

            Marshall Bell as Webster

            Trey Wilson as Beetroot McKinley

            Jill Avery as Bass Player

            Frances Bay as Mother Superior

            John Michael Bolger as Security Guard

            Terry Bozzio as Drums

            Roger Callard as Granger Son

            David Caruso as Al Greco

            Maury Chaykin as Burt Klane

            Rosemary Dunsmore as Miss Busby

            Peter Dvorsky as Peter Garfield

            David Efron as Morris Klane

            Wayne Grace as Cell Guard

            Heather Graham as Young Mary Ann Benedict (uncredited)

            S.A. Griffin as Hollywood Biker

            Lew Hopson as Cop

            Tony Hymans as Keyboards

            Tony Jay as Werner

            Russell Tyrone Jones as Mover

            Elizabeth Kaitan as Secretary

            Nicolette Larson as Singer

            Billy Lucas as Hollywood Biker

            Tom McCleister as Bob Klane

            Marvin J. McIntyre as McKinley's Man

            Hugh O'Brian as Granger

            Sven Ole Thorsen as Sam Klane

            Nehemiah Persoff as Mitchell Traven

            Tom Platz as Granger Son

            Richard Portnow as Chop Shop Owner

            Steve Reevis as Indian

            Catherine Reitman as Granger Granddaughter

            Jason Reitman as Granger Grandson

            Gus Rethwisch as Dave Klane

            Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Oriental Man

            Thomas Wagner as Visiting Room Guard

            Jeff Beck as Lead Guitarist

            Frank Davis as Security Guard

            Richard de Faut as Custodian

            Bruce McBroom as Handsome Father

            Joseph Medjuck as Photographer

            Lora Milligan as Stewardess

            Linda Porter as Painter

            Dendrie Allyn Taylor as Female Neighbor

            Robert Harper as Gilbert Larsen

            Sven-Ole Thorson
            
See full cast