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Sibling Rivalry

Sibling Rivalry

She did it. And boy, is she sorry.

199087 minPG-13Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films
Director
Carl Reiner
Starring
Kirstie Alley, Bill Pullman, Carrie Fisher, Jami Gertz

Marjorie Turner is suffocating in her marriage and day to day life. An extramarital affair with a stranger seems to be the answer until her paramour has a fatal heart attack, and turns out to be less of a stranger than she could have thought...

Where to watch

Where can I watch Sibling Rivalry?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Sibling Rivalry on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Sibling Rivalry?

Sibling Rivalry earns 3 badges, led by Fun and Preferred by Women.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Sibling Rivalry worth watching?

Sibling Rivalry's Midcredits score is the 21st percentile of all films, from 4.7K ratings across 4 sources. 29% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

21st percentile

Better received than 21% of films

22nd percentile among Comedy24th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)25th
Approval (how many liked it)21st

54 /100

25th percentile of all films

27th percentile among Comedy27th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.6 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

29% liked it

21st percentile of all films

21st percentile among Comedy23rd percentile among 1990s
29% rated it 7–1071% rated it 1–6

Critics 25% · Audience 32%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

71st percentile

4.7K ratings across platforms

67th percentile among Comedy65th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$16M
Opening weekend$4M
Domestic gross$18M
Worldwide gross$18M

Returned 1.1× its budget — 80th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A lightweight, silly comedy with an ensemble cast that aims for laughs through coincidence and awkward situations.

Fans praised

  • Kirstie Alley's comedic performance and natural timing
  • Funny script with memorable dialogue and slapstick sequences
  • Excellent ensemble cast including Bill Pullman, Sam Elliott, Carrie Fisher

Detractors panned

  • Forgettable plot with dull script and mediocre performances
  • Fails to deliver manic energy needed for screwball comedy
  • Frustrating happy ending undermines darker comedic premise

What stands out

ActingDivisive70

Kirstie Alley's comedic naturalness praised; detractors find performances mediocre

HumorDivisive65

Funny slapstick and awkward scenarios; detractors find it unfunny

DialogueDivisive65

Marvelously funny lines and quotable moments; some find script dull

Pacing55

Short runtime but rushed; detractors note low energy level

CharactersDivisive50

Repressed housewife and quirky supporting roles; detractors find them unengaging

Plot and storyDivisive45

Coincidence-driven adultery and cover-up premise; detractors call it lousy and forgettable

EndingDivisive40

Happy ending feels forced; frustrates those wanting darker resolution

OriginalityDivisive40

Derivative of Three's Company-style farce; detractors see it as unoriginal

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 12 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Sibling Rivalry like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It swings between moods and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
AbsurdWarm
Heaviest: middle
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Irreverent · 1% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its dead-body cover-up for laughs, keeping a knowing distance from the dark material.
The rideThe cover-up chaos in the middle brings absurd tension, while the film stays lighthearted overall.
StructureThe film follows a conventional beginning-middle-end structure with no notable nonlinear or spoiler-worthy devices disclosed in the synopsis.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayDespite the dark premise, the farcical tone leaves the viewer grinning and in a light mood.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).ComedyFarce
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% (this title) · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Farce: Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by the cover-up of an accidental death, leading to a series of escalating chaotic misunderstandings typical of farce.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfMarriageBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% (this title) · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Marriage · 2% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines a stale marriage and the web of lies that results from a brief affair, treating the cover-up as the engine of the comedy.
StanceThe film mocks the idea that adultery and cover-up can revitalize a marriage, treating the situation with comic exaggeration.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticSmall townRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Jack Elliott
Settinga suburban home and a hotel in a small American town

Content guide

Is Sibling Rivalry okay for kids?

PG-13

Sibling Rivalry is rated PG-13. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (53/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (50/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 3 other countries
  • Germany12
  • FinlandK-12
  • Netherlands6
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (18 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Sibling Rivalry have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Sibling Rivalry?

Cast

Kirstie Alley
as Marjorie Turner
Bill Pullman
as Nicholas Meany
Carrie Fisher
as Iris Turner-Hunter
Jami Gertz
as Jeanine
Scott Bakula
as Harry Turner
Frances Sternhagen
as Rose Turner
John Randolph
as Charles Turner Sr.
Sam Elliott
as Charles Turner Jr.
Ed O'Neill
as Wilbur Meany
Bill Macy
as Pat

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Sibling Rivalry?

Movies like Sibling Rivalry include Fatal Instinct (1993), Thin Ice (2011) and All Ladies Do It (1992). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films about marriage, and most are films that feel absurdist.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its story type: farce. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Sibling Rivalry?

3.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: dark comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.