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Streaming Success of ‘There’s Something About Mary’: A Look Back
The raucous romantic comedy There’s Something About Mary is enjoying renewed popularity on streaming platforms, currently ranked sixth on Hulu. Featuring performances by Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz, the film was helmed by the iconic Farrelly Brothers (Peter and Bobby) and made a significant impact upon its release in July 1998, grossing nearly $370 million worldwide from a modest production budget of $23 million. It holds an 84% approval rating from critics, albeit with a somewhat lower 61% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Following the triumph of their earlier hit Dumb and Dumber in 1994, and the moderately successful Kingpin in 1996, the Farrelly Brothers crafted There’s Something About Mary. The film stars Stiller as Ted, who reunites with his high school crush, Diaz as Mary, years after a disastrous prom date. With the help of his best friend Dom, portrayed by Chris Elliott, Ted seeks to find Mary, leading to humorous escapades as Healy, a private investigator, learns about her life in Miami, where she works as an orthopedic surgeon while caring for her special-needs brother.
This film is packed with countless hilarious moments that have led to its classification as an instant classic. Its unexpected box office success was fueled by positive word-of-mouth, prompting audiences to flock to theaters. There’s Something About Mary remains a timeless choice for movie nights, especially around Valentine’s Day, and could be delightfully paired with another classic rom-com from the late 90s or early 2000s, such as 50 First Dates.
A Launchpad for Careers
Before the debut of There’s Something About Mary, both Stiller and Diaz had already begun to establish their careers. Stiller had enjoyed success with films like Reality Bites and Flirting With Disaster, while Diaz gained recognition for her performance alongside Jim Carrey in The Mask and appeared in several indie films like Feeling Minnesota and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
In the wake of the rom-com’s success, Stiller’s career flourished, leading to numerous blockbuster roles in films such as Meet the Parents (2000), Zoolander (2001), Night at the Museum (2006), and Tropic Thunder (2008), along with notable guest appearances in films like Happy Gilmore and Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
On the other hand, Diaz became a staple in Hollywood, starring in a series of box office hits including Being John Malkovich (1999), Charlie’s Angels (2000), and the beloved Shrek series. She officially stepped back from acting after her role in the film adaptation of Annie in 2014, but has since returned, participating in Back in Action alongside Jamie Foxx, which premiered on Netflix, and is set to reprise her role as Princess Fiona in Shrek 5, expected in late 2026.
The Farrelly Brothers also experienced considerable success post-There’s Something About Mary, delivering films like Me, Myself and Irene (2000) and Shallow Hal (2001). They even revisited the franchise that propelled their careers with Dumb and Dumber To (2014). However, their recent project, Dear Santa (2024), did not meet critical expectations. Despite this, their initial contributions to film comedy remain notable and deserve recognition.
Release Date
July 15, 1998
Runtime
119 Minutes
Source
movieweb.com