MEMBER Login Register

Withnail & I (1987)

Cult Classics

Withnail and I

Comedy

|

1987

|

United Kingdom

A bleak, booze-soaked comedy about failure, friendship, and artistic delusion — made for just £1M.

Production Facts

Director:

Bruce Robinson

Starring:

Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths

Distribution:

HandMade Films

Platform:

Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, BFI Player

Budget:

$1,600,000

Gross:

$2,400,000

ROI:

Key Lesson:

You don’t need big stars or gear — you need tension, timing, and a story people talk about. Peli shot this entirely in his home with a consumer camcorder and built terror from atmosphere. The film’s viral word-of-mouth campaign redefined how indie horror could reach audiences.

Legacy:

Spawned a billion-dollar franchise, revived found-footage horror, and proved that creative storytelling can outperform CGI-heavy blockbusters. A landmark example for filmmakers on how to leverage simplicity and authenticity into massive profit.

IMDB:

/ 10

📊

+

Audience Ratings

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Withnail & I become a cult classic?

Its dark humor, quotable dialogue, and brutally honest depiction of creative despair resonated deeply with artists and outsiders alike.

How much did Withnail & I cost to make?

The film was produced on a modest $1.6 million budget and earned about $2.4 million, finding success mostly after its theatrical run.

Where can I stream Withnail & I?

It’s available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and the BFI Player.