The Hangover (2009)
Comedy
The Kernel take
A Metascore of 73 on a $35M budget that returned nearly $470M worldwide represents the rare mainstream comedy that critics and audiences both embraced—a 13-to-1 multiplier that suggests genuine cultural resonance beyond its modest investment.
Director track record: Todd Phillips
The Hangover (73) sits well above Todd Phillips' own 49.4-point average across 11 scored films—a career-best achievement that exceeds his previous high of 59 with Joker, marking a significant critical peak in his filmography.
Lead track record: Bradley Cooper
The Hangover (73) sits well above Bradley Cooper's own 50.4-point average across 24 scored films—a standout performance that trails his career-best of 90 with American Hustle, but represents one of his highest-regarded ensemble comedies to date.
Box office
Budget $35M · Box office $469.3M