Edward Burns’s 1995 film, The Brothers McMullen, was a major success story in independent cinema. Made for just $25,000 on 16mm film, it won the top prize at the Sundance Film Festival and connected with audiences through its relatable story of three Irish-Catholic brothers from Long Island navigating love and relationships. The film earned over $10 million in the US and helped launch the careers of actors like Connie Britton. After remaining untouched for three decades, the story surprisingly returned with a revival, bringing the McMullen family back to the screen.
Despite having a very limited release in theaters, the new movie The Family McMullen is now a huge hit on streaming services. It played in theaters for only one day in October 2025, so most people didn’t even know it existed. But after becoming available on HBO Max this week, it quickly jumped to the number two spot on the platform’s Top 10 list in the US. It’s currently second only to Elf, which is a great achievement considering how popular that Will Ferrell holiday classic is every December.
The Family McMullen Is a Perfect Nostalgic Movie for this Season
The new movie featuring the McMullen family is a great example of how sequels can be successful when they capture the right feel. The Family McMullen revisits these characters thirty years later, with original creator and star Burns returning alongside familiar cast members. This time, the story focuses on the challenges of middle age – Barry, the main character, is dealing with divorce and his grown kids moving back in. The film also adds fresh faces like Tracee Ellis Ross and Halston Sage, broadening the story to include multiple generations and expanding on the original movie’s themes.
Viewers have loved The Family McMullen for its heartwarming feel and how well it blends the new actors with the original cast. Setting the story during the holidays was a brilliant move, turning what could have been a typical drama into a cozy, feel-good experience perfect for the season. The storylines – like Molly dealing with loss and the lively family meals – feel genuine and honor the spirit of the 1995 film while also showing how time has passed.
The new movie quickly became popular on HBO Max, showing there’s a larger audience for smart, funny dramas like this than many thought. While the initial limited release in theaters probably only appealed to dedicated fans of the original, the high number of streams proves a broader group was eager to see The Family McMullen return. Releasing it in theaters might have been a gamble given the current focus on big-budget blockbusters, but the sequel’s success demonstrates that there’s still a market for well-made, character-focused comedies. Now, at least, fans can easily enjoy the McMullen family’s adventures again from home, potentially making it a new holiday tradition.
The Family McMullen is now streaming on HBO Max.
Which 90s indie comedy do you think deserves a sequel? Let us know in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-12-08 18:11